Lauria and Ashley’s Law Passes Oklahoma House: A Step Toward Justice for Murder Victims

After more than two decades of tireless advocacy from Lorene Bible, the mother of Lauria Bible, and the memory of her daughter and Lauria’s best friend, Ashley Freeman, a significant step toward justice was taken yesterday with the passage of House Bill 1001. The bill, known as Lauria and Ashley’s Law, was passed by the Oklahoma House of Representatives with a vote of 76-11.

This bill, authored by Rep. Steve Bashore, would require individuals convicted of accessory to first or second-degree murder to serve 85% of their prison sentence before being eligible for parole. Additionally, those convicted would not be eligible to earn credits that could reduce their sentence below 85% of what was imposed.

Lauria and Ashley’s Law was named after two 16-year-old girls who were brutally kidnapped, tortured, raped, and killed on New Year’s Eve 1999. The girls were last seen in Welch, Oklahoma, and it is presumed their bodies were dumped in a Pitcher mine pit, though their remains have never been found. In the same crime, Ashley’s parents, Danny and Kathy Freeman, were murdered and their mobile home set on fire.

Lorene Bible, who has fought for justice for her daughter and Ashley for more than two decades, was present in the House chamber when the bill passed. She reflected on the difficult journey and her determination to see the measure make it to the governor’s desk this year.

“We know this will not bring Lauria and Ashley back,” Lorene Bible said. “But we want to prevent this nightmare from happening to any other family that might experience something like this.”

The legislation addresses the reduced sentence of Ronnie Busick, who was convicted in 2020 for his role as an accessory to felony murder in connection with the crime. Busick had been sentenced to 10 years in prison, but due to time served in county jail and credits for good behavior, he was released after just three years. He now lives in close proximity to Lorene Bible, which has caused ongoing distress for the Bible and Freeman families.

Rep. Bashore, who worked closely with Lorene Bible to craft the law, expressed his frustration over Busick’s early release and the broader implications for victims’ families.

“This bill is trying to keep these types of perpetrators in prison for at least 85 percent of the time to which they are sentenced,” Bashore said.

The bill now moves to the Senate, where it will be considered by Sen. Kristen Thompson. For Lorene Bible, the fight for justice continues, with her goal to ensure that those convicted of such heinous crimes face longer sentences to prevent future injustices.

As Lorene Bible continues her fight, Lauria and Ashley’s Law stands as a testament to her unwavering determination to secure justice for her daughter and her friend, and to ensure that no other family has to endure the pain and uncertainty she has faced.