Woman accused of killing her sister faces murder and tampering charges; bail set at $250,000

ROCHESTER, NY – Charges have been filed and bail has been set for Jamie Busch, the woman accused kill her sister and dumping her body in the Genesee River near Rush.

Penny Busch, 62, was found in the river after she was reported missing. Officers say she was last seen at her home in Honeoye Falls on October 6. Officers conducted a welfare check at the home on Oct. 11, but no one answered the door.

Her body was found on October 14 and police began their search for a suspect.

WATCH: MCSO news conference on missing woman found dead in Genesee River, sister arrested

According to court paperwork (available below), Jamie took Penny’s three cell phones and dumped them in the trash at the Dunkin Donuts in town. She then allegedly dumped Penny’s body in the Genesee River.

Jamie appeared in court on Friday, November 8.

The former Honeoye Falls Middle School employee faces one count of second-degree murder and two counts of tampering with evidence. Prosecutors say the killing has divided the family, and the court considers Busch a flight risk.

“So in this way I believe that a suspect is a flight risk. It’s a big indictment. There are major consequences,” said Assistant District Attorney Jessica Wagner. “And in this particular case, Mrs. Bush has no family in the area. She has no ties. My understanding is that she is no longer working with the school district. So those are all reasons why she wouldn’t stay in this area. Why she could run away.”

Bail was set by Judge Stephen Miller at $250,000 cash or $500,000 surety. Busch will appear in court again on January 16, 2025. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office has yet to discuss the motive behind the killing.

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