Oklahoma’s ‘Lauria & Ashley’s Law’ and Lorene Bible’s Ongoing Fight for Justice

For more than two decades, Lorene Bible has fought tirelessly for justice for her daughter, Lauria Bible, and Lauria’s best friend, Ashley Freeman, tragically killed in 1999. Lorene’s unwavering determination has made her a steadfast voice for her slain daughter, refusing to rest until justice is fully served.

In a significant step forward for victims’ families, Oklahoma’s House Bill 2946, named “Lauria and Ashley’s Law,” was passed by the state House of Representatives on February 21, 2024, with overwhelming support. The bill passed with a vote of 85-13 and seeks to tighten sentencing guidelines for individuals convicted as accessories to first and second-degree murder. Under the provisions of this new law, anyone convicted as an accessory to these serious crimes must serve 85% of their sentence before becoming eligible for parole. Additionally, the law stipulates that those convicted of such crimes will no longer be eligible for sentence reductions due to credits earned for good behavior or time served in other capacities.

State Representative Steve Bashore, the author of HB 2946, worked closely with Lorene Bible for over a year to craft this law. The catalyst for this legislation was the early release of Ronnie Busick, who was convicted in connection with the murders of Lauria and Ashley. In 2020, Busick was sentenced to 10 years in prison for his role in the Freeman-Bible case, yet due to time served in county jail and credits for good behavior, he was released after serving only three years of his sentence. Busick’s early release was particularly painful for the Bible and Freeman families, as he now lives in close proximity to Lorene Bible, serving as a constant reminder of the horrors her family has endured. Lorene has long expressed frustration with the leniency granted to Busick and the fact that, despite his conviction, Lauria and Ashley’s bodies have still never been found.

“It’s true criminal justice reform. Keeping people off the streets who could potentially harm someone else,” Bashore told Think American News.

Representative Bashore’s intent with the law is to prevent other families from experiencing the same pain of seeing an accessory to murder receive a reduced sentence. He was deeply moved by Lorene’s story and saw the need to act after hearing about the injustices her family faced.

Bashore told me, “Look at it from the perspective of the family – who’s looking out for them? The criminal gets everything in this situation and is free to walk the streets – while the family is still searching for their daughter.”

For Lorene and other families affected by violent crime, this legislation represents both a step toward justice and a sense of closure. While “Loria & Ashley’s Law” won’t undo the past or bring the girls back, it ensures that those convicted as accessories to heinous crimes will face stiffer penalties moving forward. The law also sends a powerful message to anyone involved in violent crimes: that justice will be served, and leniency for such acts will not be easily granted.

Despite this legislative success, Lorene’s fight is far from over. But she is undeterred. She has pledged to return to the statehouse this fall, determined to see the bill enacted into law. For her, this is not just about Lauria and Ashley—it’s about preventing future injustices and ensuring that no other family has to endure the same pain and frustration that she has experienced.

Bashore will reintroduce the legislation in just a few weeks, and remains steadfast to see it become a law. Affirming his commitment, he told Think American News, “I’m married to this legislation – it means something to these people, and I’ll do everything we can to make sure we get this law passed and keep people off the streets who could potentially harm someone else and keep them in prison where they need to be.”

The Freeman-Bible case has remained one of Oklahoma’s most harrowing unsolved mysteries. On New Year’s Eve 1999, Lauria Bible and Ashely Freeman spent the night at Ashley’s family home in Welch, Oklahoma, when tragedy struck. Ashley’s parents, Danny and Kathy Freeman, were shot to death, and their home was set on fire. Although the remains of Ashley’s parents were found in the aftermath of the blaze, Lauria and Ashley were nowhere to be found. It is believed that the girls were kidnapped, tortured, and murdered, with their bodies likely dumped in a mine pit near Pitcher, Oklahoma. However, despite years of searching and investigating, their bodies have never been recovered, and many questions surrounding their deaths remain unanswered.

As Lorene Bible continues her journey, “Lauria & Ashely’s Law” stands as a testament to her relentless quest for justice and the enduring legacy of two young lives taken too soon. Bashore noted of Lorene Bible, ” She is one of the toughest and most tenacious ladies I’ve ever met.”