Case Explained: Oklahoma strengthens penalties for violent crime accessories with new law effective Nov. 1 – Legal Perspective

TULSA, OKLA. (KTUL) — A new Oklahoma law aimed at strengthening punishment for violent offenders takes effect Nov. 1, marking a major victory for the families of two teenage girls whose 1999 murders shook the state.

House Bill 1001, known as Lauria and Ashley’s Law, adds “accessory to murder” in the first or second degree to the list of crimes requiring offenders to serve at least 85% of their prison sentence before being eligible for parole.

Those convicted under the law will no longer be able to earn credits that reduce their sentences below that threshold.

The legislation is named in honor of Lauria Bible and Ashley Freeman, two 16-year-old girls from Welch who were kidnapped and killed on New Year’s Eve 1999.

Their remains have never been found. The case also involved the murders of Ashley’s parents, Danny and Kathy Freeman, whose bodies were discovered in their burned home.

For Lauria’s mother, Lorene Bible, the law’s enactment brings a sense of long-awaited justice.

“There are families going through what we went through,” she said, adding that this new law could help others find closure.

Rep. Steve Bashore, R-Miami, who authored the bill, worked closely with Bible and her cousin Lisa Broderick to see it through. He said the new law ensures accountability for those who help commit violent crimes.

“Those who play a role in such heinous acts should not receive shortened sentences or credit for good behavior,” Bashore said.

The push for the legislation came after frustration over the 2020 sentencing of Ronnie Busick, who was convicted as an accessory in the case.

Busick received a 10-year sentence but served only three years due to time credits and early release, returning to the same community where the victims’ families still live.

Sen. Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond, carried the measure in the Senate. Bashore thanked Thompson, fellow lawmakers, and the governor for supporting what he called a vital step toward justice and public safety.

Lauria and Ashley’s Law officially goes into effect November 1, 2025.