CRAIG COUNTY, Okla. -- The only living suspect in the disappearance of Lauria Bible and Ashley Freeman made his first court appearance Monday.
Not only did 66-year-old Ronnie Busick face a judge, but also the girls’ families.
It seems the defense is trying to pin all of this on Philip Welch, but on the stand today Busick’s story stayed the same.
Ronnie Busick appeared in court today, his defense seems to be pinning crimes against Lauria Bible, Ashley Freeman & family on Phil Welch who is now dead.
Attorney told us Welch seems to be the only one w evidence against him, when it comes to Busick, all hearsay @KJRH2HD pic.twitter.com/lWGr6svfWR
— Ashley Holt (@AshleyHoltKJRH) April 30, 2018
He said he understands the charges against him, but maintained his innocence.
His attorney filed multiple motions, requesting access to witnesses and motions insinuating investigators conducted illegal interviews with Busick.
They also requested recordings of the meeting he had with Lauria’s mother in addition to anything she’s found while conducting her own investigation.
The families of both girls were also in the courtroom.
Lorene Bible says she'll be there ever time he is, & asked we show this 2001 mugshot of Busick. She said this is how people w info may recognize him from back then, and they still need those people to come forward @KJRH2HD pic.twitter.com/04yjE9U9dS
— Ashley Holt (@AshleyHoltKJRH) April 30, 2018
Bible says she has nothing to hide and she won’t hide from this courtroom.
“I want him to know every day that he’s going to go to court and say I don’t know nothing - my presence says he knows something,” said Lorene Bible, Lauria's mother.
She said people still need to come forward in this case, and asked that we show this 2001 mugshot of Busick to trigger people’s memories.
She said he looks much different now than he did when witnesses claim he, Phil Welch and David Pennington bragged about what they’d done to the girls years ago.
Busick is expected back here in court on May 11.
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