Oklahoma tragedy prompts changes to accessory to murder law

Oklahoma is getting close to changing a law that would keep those involved in a murder in prison longer. Learn how Lauria and Ashley's Law strives for prolonged prison terms.

Wednesday, April 30th 2025, 4:05 pm

By: Amanda Taylor

Ashley Freeman & Lauria Bible: The Motivation Behind HB 1001

OKLAHOMA CITY -

Keeping those involved in a murder in prison longer: How Oklahoma is hoping to hold everyone accountable.

This fight has been years in the making; now, legislation to strengthen Oklahoma’s “accessory to murder” laws is getting close to the finish line. Lauria and Ashley’s law is named after two Oklahoma girls who were kidnapped, tortured, raped and killed on New Year’s Eve 1999. The bodies of 16-year-old Lauria Bible and Ashley Freeman were never found.

Ronnie Busick was convicted of accessory to murder in the girl’s disappearance. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison but only served one year because of credits for time served and good behavior.

“I made a promise to the families of these two girls that I would seek better justice on their behalf," Rep. Steve Bashore, R-Miami, said.

Bashore authored the bill, which, on April 30, passed the Senate with a vote of 38-5. Senator Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond, carried the bill in that chamber.

House Bill 1001 (Lauria and Ashley’s law) will now move back to the House for a final vote before going to the Governor’s desk.

Amanda Taylor

Award-winning Amanda Taylor has been part of the News 9 team since 2006. She can be seen weekdays co-anchoring the 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. newscasts. During her career, she’s covered many historic moments in Oklahoma, including the devastation in Moore after the 2013 tornado and the 2016 earthquake in Cushing. A cause near and dear to Amanda’s heart is championing for the welfare of Oklahoma’s children.