Amber Waterman found mentally fit to stand trial; state trial set for 2026

BENTONVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Amber Waterman, a Missouri woman accused of kidnapping and killing a Benton County woman and her unborn child, has been found mentally fit to stand trial, according to court documents.

Waterman, 45, of Pineville, Mo., is charged with two counts of capital murder in connection with the deaths of Ashley Bush and her unborn child, Valkyrie Grace Willis.

Prosecutors previously told KNWA/FOX24 that they are seeking the death penalty.

During a mental status hearing on Sept. 2, Waterman was found mentally fit to stand trial. Her trial date was set for April 7, 2026.

Court records show Waterman was scheduled to undergo a forensic evaluation on July 9.

Waterman’s attorney, Jeff Rosenzweig, filed a motion on April 30, calling for a mental evaluation to determine whether she is fit to stand trial.

Rosenzweig’s motion said Waterman has a growth on her brain that causes her to have various symptoms, including seizures. It also says Waterman will undergo an MRI, CT scan and/or an X-ray.

The judge granted the motion on May 23, and court proceedings were suspended pending the outcome of the mental evaluation.

This is a developing story. Stay with KNWA/FOX24 for the latest.