53-Year-Old N.Y. School Employee Accused of Fatally Strangling Sister and Disposing of Body in River
(Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter)
A 53-year-old woman is in custody, suspected of fatally strangling her 62-year-old sister, Penny Busch, who had been missing since early October. Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter addressed the case during a press conference, providing details about the investigation that led to the arrest.
On October 11, deputies conducted a welfare check on Penny Busch after a family member expressed concern over not hearing from her for some time. When no one answered the door at her home, investigators began searching the property. Sheriff Baxter stated that they encountered “suspicious” conditions and noted “things out of the ordinary,” though he did not elaborate on the specifics.
Three days later, on October 14, deputies searched the Genesee River in the town of Rush, where they discovered a deceased woman. The Monroe County Medical Examiner’s Office later confirmed that the body belonged to Penny Busch.
According to a redacted complaint obtained by WHEC-TV, investigators believe that on October 8, Penny Busch’s sister, Jamie Busch, fatally strangled her during a physical altercation. The complaint further alleges that the following morning, Jamie Busch took her sister’s three cell phones from her home and discarded them at a Dunkin’ Donuts. She then allegedly disposed of Penny Busch’s body in the Genesee River.
Authorities have charged Jamie Busch with second-degree murder and two counts of tampering with physical evidence in connection with her sister’s death. In addition to the legal proceedings, it was revealed that Jamie Busch had worked for the Honeoye Falls-Lima School District, but she has since been placed on leave.
The district’s superintendent issued a statement expressing their shock and sadness over the incident: “The recent arrest of a district employee on serious charges has deeply impacted all of us. We are shocked and saddened by the reports.
As a school district that prioritizes the safety of our students, staff, and community, we placed the individual on leave and fully cooperated with law enforcement during their investigation.” Penny Busch leaves behind two children, and the investigation into her tragic death continues.
