A Groundbreaking Victory for Victims’ Families and Justice in Oklahoma

A significant moment in the fight for justice was reached today as the Governor of Oklahoma signed Lauria and Ashley’s Law into law. This new law represents a crucial step in ensuring that those convicted of being accessories to first or second-degree murder serve a more substantial portion of their sentence before being eligible for parole. Under the terms of the law, offenders convicted of these crimes will be required to serve at least 85% of their sentence, and they will not be eligible to earn credits that would reduce their time below this threshold.

The law, named after Lauria Bible and Ashley Freeman, two 16-year-olds who were tragically kidnapped, tortured, and killed on New Year’s Eve 1999, has been a long time in the making. The law came into existence after a sustained battle by those who were deeply affected by the horrific crimes committed against Lauria, Ashley, and their families.

The passage of the law has been driven by Rep. Steve Bashore, who worked alongside Lorene Bible, the mother of Lauria, and her cousin, Lisa Broderick, in crafting and pushing the legislation forward. The law specifically addresses a situation that outraged the victims’ families and the larger community—the early release of Ronnie Busick. Busick, convicted in connection with the murders of Lauria and Ashley, was sentenced to 10 years in prison but was released after serving only three years. This early release, due to time served in county jail and good behavior credits, sparked public outcry, as Busick returned to live in the same area where the murders took place, near the families of the victims.

“I made a promise to the families of Lauria and Ashley that I would seek to strengthen the law so that those convicted of such heinous crimes would face harsher consequences and would never receive a reduced sentence simply because they showed good behavior while behind bars,” said Rep. Bashore. “I am grateful that this law will ensure future offenders are held accountable for their actions and that they will not be given leniency based on circumstances that should not diminish the severity of their crimes.”

The story of Lauria and Ashley’s Law began long before it reached the Governor’s desk. For over two decades, Lorene Bible, Lauria’s mother, has tirelessly fought for justice for her daughter and Ashley. Lauria and Ashley were last seen in Welch, Oklahoma, on December 31, 1999. They were abducted, subjected to unimaginable violence, and eventually murdered. Their bodies have never been found. The crime also saw the murder of Ashley’s parents, Danny and Kathy Freeman, whose remains were discovered after their mobile home was set on fire.

The law’s passage represents a victory not only for Lorene Bible and her family but for the countless others who have experienced the pain of seeing justice undermined by lenient sentencing laws. For Lorene, the law cannot bring her daughter back, nor can it undo the pain of losing Lauria and Ashley, but it stands as a safeguard for future victims and their families.

“We’re thankful to Representative Bashore and everyone who has worked so hard on this law,” said Lorene Bible. “We know this law won’t bring Lauria and Ashley back, but for future families who might face the same kind of tragedy, this will give them something to hold onto—a law that protects them and ensures those who commit such crimes will face the full consequences.”

The legislation was driven by more than just the desire to change the system; it was about ensuring that those who commit violent crimes face justice without being let off early due to factors like good behavior behind bars. The reduced sentence of Ronnie Busick in 2020 became a turning point. Busick, who was convicted as an accessory to felony murder in the case, had been sentenced to 10 years in prison but, thanks to credits for good behavior and time served in county jail, was released after only three years.

His early release and return to the community near the families of the victims reignited outrage. Lorene Bible and other family members were frustrated by the legal system’s inability to keep him behind bars for the full length of his sentence. For them, it was a reminder that the system, at times, allowed criminals to re-enter society far too soon, leaving victims’ families to feel as though justice had not been served.

Rep. Bashore, deeply moved by the pain that Lorene Bible and the Freeman family had endured, worked closely with them to draft Lauria and Ashley’s Law. The legislation was designed to ensure that criminals convicted of being accessories to murder are kept in prison for a significant portion of their sentence, regardless of any behavior that might otherwise shorten their time behind bars.

“This law is about making sure the punishment matches the crime,” Bashore said. “It’s about closing the loopholes that allowed someone like Ronnie Busick to be released early, back into the same community where the victims’ families live. This law will ensure that people who commit these horrific crimes can never receive an easy way out.”

The law’s passage was made possible by the work of many, including Rep. Bashore, Sen. Kristen Thompson, and other legislators who supported the bill. Both Rep. Bashore and Sen. Thompson expressed their pride in the legislation’s success, noting that it would provide stronger protections for future victims and their families.

“I am proud to have worked with my colleagues to pass this law,” Sen. Thompson said. “Lauria and Ashley’s Law sends a clear message: If you are involved in a murder, no matter how you’re involved, you will face justice. The law closes loopholes and makes it clear that helping to take a life has serious consequences.”

The bill’s passage was not only a legislative victory but also a personal one for Lorene Bible, whose tireless advocacy has kept the memory of Lauria and Ashley alive for over two decades. She has been a force of nature, working to ensure that future families will not have to endure the same heartbreak she has experienced. Lorene’s determination and strength in the face of unimaginable grief have been nothing short of inspiring.

“This law will help protect other families,” Lorene Bible said. “We hope no one else has to go through what we’ve gone through, but we know this law can make a difference.”

Bashore expressed his gratitude for the support he received from his colleagues in both the House and Senate. He thanked Sen. Thompson for her leadership on the bill in the Senate and praised Michael Bergstrom, who had worked on similar legislation in the past and had personally known Lauria Bible before her death.

“It’s been an honor to work on this bill and to see it pass,” Bashore said. “This is not just about one family. This is about ensuring that our justice system treats violent crimes with the seriousness they deserve and ensures those who commit these acts are held accountable.”

With the Governor’s signature, Lauria and Ashley’s Law is now the law of the land in Oklahoma. While this law will not bring Lauria and Ashley back or undo the pain the families have endured, it is a powerful testament to their resilience and determination. It stands as a reminder that the fight for justice is ongoing, and that those who commit heinous crimes must face the full consequences of their actions.

As Lauria and Ashley’s Law takes effect, it promises to make a lasting difference in Oklahoma’s justice system. It will provide future families who experience similar tragedies with a legal tool to ensure justice is served, and it will send a strong message that crimes of this magnitude will not be treated lightly.

For Lorene Bible, this is not the end of her fight, but it is a significant victory. Her work will continue, not just for Lauria and Ashley, but for all victims who deserve to see justice done. With Lauria and Ashley’s Law, Lorene has ensured that their memories will be honored, and their legacy will live on in a law that will help protect future victims and their families from experiencing the same heartbreak.