HONEOYE FALLS, NY — Jamie Busch, 53, has been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for the murder of her sister, Penny Busch, in October 2024. Jamie was convicted of strangling her 62-year-old sister at their shared home in Honeoye Falls, located roughly 18 miles south of Rochester, New York. After the murder, Jamie allegedly dumped Penny’s body in the Genesee River and disposed of three of her sister’s cellphones in a trash bin behind a Dunkin’ Donuts.
The Murder and Evidence Tampering
The conviction came after a jury found that Jamie strangled Penny during a physical altercation at the home they shared. According to a criminal complaint, the altercation occurred after 4:49 p.m. on October 8, 2024. The following day, Jamie discarded the cellphones in the trash and then transported Penny’s body to the Genesee River, where it was later discovered.
Investigation and Discovery
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office had been asked to conduct a welfare check at Penny Busch’s home on October 11, 2024. Upon their investigation, deputies found the situation suspicious, prompting an extensive search. Using K-9s, drones, and other resources, authorities focused their search on the Genesee River near Rush, where Penny’s body was eventually found and identified.
Jamie Busch’s Claim of Innocence
Despite the evidence against her, Jamie Busch has maintained her innocence throughout the trial. During her sentencing, she pointed the finger at her niece, the victim’s daughter, claiming she was the one responsible for Penny’s death. Jamie Busch insisted that she had been framed and that the true killer was still at large. Prosecutors, however, confirmed that the victim’s daughter was in South Carolina at the time of the murder, making her involvement impossible.
Courtroom Reactions
During sentencing, Judge Stephen Miller criticized Jamie Busch for being “not remorseful” for her actions. Cousin Mary Shadders told local news outlets that the family was relieved with the conviction, expressing that Jamie Busch had a history of violent behavior toward family members, including previous attempts to strangle others.
History of Violence
At the sentencing, Shadders noted that this was not the first time Jamie Busch had tried to strangle a family member, underscoring the severity of the crime. Although the jury did not hear the full extent of Jamie’s violent history, Shadders and others felt justice had been served.
