Oklahoma’s Lauria and Ashley’s Law Inches Closer to Justice

Lauria and Ashley’s Law has taken another significant step toward final passage in the Oklahoma Legislature. Rep. Steve Bashore, celebrated the passage of the bill in the Oklahoma Senate, which seeks to require offenders convicted of accessory to first or second-degree murder to serve at least 85% of their prison sentence before becoming eligible for parole. Additionally, these offenders would not be able to reduce their sentence through earned credits, ensuring they serve a substantial portion of their time.

The law is named in honor of Lauria Bible and Ashley Freeman, two 16-year-olds from Welch, Oklahoma, who were brutally kidnapped, tortured, and murdered on New Year’s Eve 1999. Their bodies were never recovered, though it is believed they were dumped in a Pitcher mine pit. In the same crime, Ashley’s parents, Danny and Kathy Freeman, were also murdered and their mobile home set on fire.

The bill, known as House Bill 1001, passed the Senate on a 38-5 vote, carried by Sen. Kristen Thompson. After amendments in the Senate, the bill now heads back to the House for a final reading before it can be signed into law by the governor.

“I made a promise to the families of these two girls that I would seek better justice on their behalf,” said Rep. Bashore. “After working on this legislation nonstop for the past few years, I’m incredibly excited to see it this close to final passage. I’m hopeful the governor will soon be signing it into law.”

The law addresses the reduced prison sentence of Ronnie Busick, who was convicted in 2020 for his role as an accessory to felony murder in the case. Busick was initially sentenced to 10 years in prison, but through time served in county jail and earned credits for good behavior, he was released after only three years. His release, after serving such a short portion of his sentence, was met with strong opposition, especially from the Bible and Freeman families, as Busick now resides near the families of the victims.

Lorene Bible, Lauria’s mother, who has fought tirelessly for justice over two decades, was present in the House gallery when the bill passed. She was also instrumental in the final draft of the legislation.

“We’re very thankful to Representative Bashore, Senator Thompson, and everyone who has worked with us to pass this bill,” said Bible. “This law will help guard other families from having to watch the people who hurt their family members escape justice.”

This law is a direct response to the outrage caused by the early release of Busick and aims to ensure that similar cases don’t result in reduced sentences for perpetrators involved in heinous crimes.

“We’re taking a stand for justice and ensuring that those who commit violent crimes face the full consequences of their actions,” said Sen. Thompson. “Lauria and Ashley’s Law reflects our commitment to holding criminals accountable and protecting our communities.”

The bill previously passed the Oklahoma House on a 76-11 vote and is now one step away from becoming law. Bashore expressed his hope that it will soon be signed by the governor and serve as a lasting legacy for Lauria, Ashley, and their families.