Jamie Busch, a 53-year-old woman from Honeoye Falls, New York, has been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for the murder of her sister, Penny Busch, in October 2024. Despite her conviction, Busch maintains her innocence, alleging that the victim’s daughter, not her, was responsible for the crime.
The Crime and Investigation
On October 8, 2024, Jamie Busch and her sister, Penny, were at Penny’s home in Honeoye Falls when an argument escalated into a violent confrontation. According to authorities, Jamie Busch strangled Penny to death during the altercation.
Afterward, she allegedly disposed of Penny’s body by dumping it in the Genesee River. In an attempt to cover up the crime, Busch reportedly threw three of Penny’s cellphones into a trash bin behind a Dunkin’ Donuts.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office was alerted to Penny’s disappearance when a welfare check was requested on October 11, 2024. Upon investigating, deputies suspected foul play, prompting a search involving K-9s, drones, and other resources. Three days later, authorities focused their search on the Genesee River, where they discovered Penny Busch’s body. It was later identified as the missing 62-year-old.
Jamie Busch’s Denial and Alleged Framing
During her sentencing, Jamie Busch, who had been convicted of murder and tampering with evidence in February 2025, denied responsibility for her sister’s death.
In a lengthy statement, Busch claimed that she had been framed for the crime and accused her niece — Penny’s daughter — of being the real killer. However, prosecutors determined that the victim’s daughter was in South Carolina at the time of the murder, making her involvement impossible.
Judge Stephen Miller, who presided over the case, noted that Jamie Busch showed no remorse for the crime, adding to the severity of her sentence. Family members also expressed their relief, with Busch’s cousin, Mary Shadders, telling reporters that the jury made the right decision, despite not being aware of Busch’s past history with violence against family members.
The Sentencing
Jamie Busch was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for the murder of her sister. Despite her claims of innocence, the court found her guilty of strangling her sister and tampering with evidence, marking a tragic end to a violent dispute between the two siblings.
The Impact on the Family
While the case has drawn attention due to the family ties involved, the conviction has brought some closure to those who knew Penny Busch. The victim’s relatives have expressed a mix of sorrow and relief, with many still struggling to comprehend the brutal nature of the crime and the loss of a loved one.
As Jamie Busch begins her sentence, the case serves as a grim reminder of the potential for violence within families and the devastating consequences of unresolved disputes.
