A bill known as Lauria and Ashley's Law passes in the Oklahoma House.

 

The measure would add accessory to murder in the first or second degree to the list of crimes that would require an offender to serve 85% of their prison sentence before being eligible for consideration for parole. Those convicted also would not be eligible to earn any type of credits that would reduce the sentence to below 85% of what was imposed. The bill is named after 16-year-olds Lauria Bible and Ashley Freeman, both of Welch, who were kidnapped, assaulted and murdered on New Year's Eve 1999.  It is presumed their bodies were dumped in a Pitcher mine pit, but their remains have not been recovered. Ashley's parents, Danny and Kathy Freeman, were shot to death in the crime. Their remains were found in their mobile home that had been set on fire.

 

The legislation addresses the reduced prison sentence of a man charged with accessory to felony murder in the case. In 2020, Ronnie Busick received a 10-year prison sentencefor his part in the crime, but because of good-behavior while incarcerated as well as time credited while in a county jail, Busick was released after just three years. He was released back into the community where the crimes were committed, close to where family members of the victims still live.

 

A similar bill passed the House last year with an overwhelming majority, but the bill was not considered on the Senate floor. This version of the bill now moves on to the Oklahoma Senate.