Lauria and Ashley remembered

WELCH, Okla. — Choking back emotion, Jay Bible told how his only daughter was truly a "present" to the family during the 25th Memorial Ceremony for Lauria Bible and Ashley Freeman.

About 100 people gathered at the Welch Civic Center to remember the 16-year-old best friends whose young lives were cut short on a cold December night in 1999, when they were brutally kidnapped, tortured, drugged, raped, and eventually killed.

Jay told a story about how Lauria crawled inside a box to make herself look like a present.

"She was the best present," Jay said, holding back tears.

After gaining his composure, Jay told the crowd, "We will still chase down every lead. They are fewer and farther between — but maybe tonight's (service) will bring out more leads."

Jay spoke about the early years looking for the girls and how most of Ashley's family is dead, including her grandparents.

"Ashey became a daughter to us," Jay Bible said.

Young mothers held their children close to them, and many were seen dabbing their eyes with tissues as Lorene Bible spoke about how Lauria and Ashley's disappearance changed things for most families in northeast Oklahoma.

Gone were overnight sleepovers with friends, and cell phones weren't a luxury for teens, but part of a safety plan allowing parents to know their whereabouts at all times.

Lorene Bible spoke about reliving Dec. 30, 1999, and the days afterward.

"What if I had made her (Lauria) stay home that night," Lorene Bible said.

Lorene went through several "what if" scenarios, knowing the questions were fruitless.

Lorene remains angry over the events of Dec. 30, 1999, and the delay in searching for Lauria and Ashley because of the rumors that Danny Freeman was somehow involved in the kidnapping. After the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation agents released the crime scene, the Bible family began searching and found Danny's charred remains amongst the ashes.

Another "what if" question hung in the air. Could the girls have been saved if authorities started searching for girls earlier?

"It's my mission to bring Lauria and Ashley home," Lorene Bible said.

Recently retired, Lorene said she planned on spending 2025 trying to get the "Lauria and Ashley Bill" passed.

"There are 48 senators that haven't met me yet," Lorene said, prompting laughter from the crowd.

Rep. Steve Bashore, R-Miami, refiled the “Lauria and Ashley” bill for the 2025 legislative session, which convenes on Feb. 3. The bill that adds accessory to murder in the first or second degree to the list of crimes that would require an offender to serve 85% of their prison sentence before being eligible for parole consideration. Those convicted would also be ineligible to earn credits that would reduce their sentence below 85% of what the court imposed.

"I want to prevent another family from going through what we did," Lorene said, referencing the release of felon Ronnie Busick.

Busick, the only living suspect, pleaded guilty to accessory to murder and received a 10-year prison sentence in 2020, with five years of probation and only one year of supervision. Because of good behavior and time credited while in the Craig County Jail, Busick was released after just three years in prison. It is believed he is living in a Tulsa nursing home.

"I look forward to the day when I get a call saying the girls were found," Lorene Bible said.

Craig County investigator Gary Stansill and OSBI Cold Case Detective Tammy Ferrari spoke about how the girls's case has stayed with them daily.

"We are still working on this case daily," Ferrari said. "The case weighs heavy on our hearts."

"We feel like God gave us a task," Stansill said.

"God will direct our steps — and has directed our steps," Stansill said.

Stansill said it will take a miracle to find the girls' remains.

"I don't say that negatively," Stansill said. "I say that positively."

The service ended with the lighting of candles.

A $50,000 reward remains open in the case. Individuals with information about where the girls’ bodies are buried are encouraged to call the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation hotline at (800) 522-8017.