Opening statements began Tuesday in the murder trial of a local woman accused of killing her sister and dumping her body in the Genesee River.
Jurors in Monroe County Court heard prosecutors outline their case against Jamie Busch, 53, who is charged with second-degree murder and tampering with evidence in the death of her sister, 62-year-old Penny Busch.
Authorities say Penny was last seen alive Oct. 8, 2024, at a Walmart in Victor and was believed strangled sometime before her body was discovered during a search of the river on Oct. 14. Prosecutors say Jamie Busch then disposed of Penny’s body in the Genesee River and hid three cellphones in a Dunkin’ Donuts dumpster nearby.
According to a report by 13WHAM, prosecutors told the jury that tensions between the sisters escalated when Penny tried to evict Jamie, who was renting from her at the time. Police responding to a welfare check at Penny’s home earlier in the search found her Jeep covered in mud and parked in an unusual position behind the house, court filings say.
The defense argued Tuesday that the evidence does not clearly establish a motive or a timeline for the killing, noting there is no video showing Penny’s death or the body being moved. They say much of the prosecution’s theory remains speculative.
Jurors were shown body camera footage and photos including a rent or eviction notice, clumps of dirt found inside an apartment, a broken yard lamp and what appeared to be Penny’s wallet.
The case stems from an extensive investigation that began with a missing-person report and a welfare check at Penny’s home. Law enforcement later identified her body in the river and collected evidence leading to Jamie Busch’s arrest.
The trial is ongoing, and testimony and evidence presentation are expected to continue in the coming days.
