Honeoye Falls, New York – Authorities say a woman strangled her sister to death inside her home, disposed of key evidence during an early morning trip to a local Dunkin’ Donuts, and later dumped the body in the Genesee River in an effort to cover up the killing.
Jamie Busch, 53, has been charged with second-degree murder and tampering with physical evidence in the death of her older sister, 62-year-old Penny Busch. The case dates back to October 2024 but is now moving toward trial following a lengthy investigation.
What Investigators Say Happened
According to a criminal complaint, both women were inside Penny Busch’s home on Ontario Street on Oct. 8, 2024, when a “physical altercation” broke out sometime after 4:49 p.m. Detectives allege that during this confrontation, Jamie Busch strangled her sister, causing her death.
The next morning, investigators say the defendant drove to the village Dunkin’ Donuts and threw away three of Penny’s cellphones in a trash bin behind the store. Authorities believe this was an intentional attempt to eliminate evidence that could have revealed what happened inside the home.
Officials say that in the days that followed, Jamie moved Penny’s body from the property and disposed of it in the Genesee River, several miles away.
Suspicious Disappearance Prompted a Multi-Day Search
On Oct. 11, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office conducted a welfare check at Penny’s eight-acre residence after concerns were raised about her whereabouts. Deputies said they immediately felt something was wrong.
As a result, a wide-scale search was launched, using K-9 teams, drones, and ground crews to comb the wooded areas and waterways surrounding the property.
By Oct. 14, investigators had developed information that narrowed the search to a specific section of the Genesee River in the Town of Rush. A body was located shortly after, and it was later positively identified as Penny Busch.
Evidence Led to Her Sister’s Arrest
Authorities say they arrested Jamie Busch after gathering “significant evidence and probable cause,” though specific details have not been released. Sheriff Todd Baxter described the motive as sensitive and said the department would release more information when prosecutors deemed it appropriate.
“The motive is something we’re going to keep close until the district attorney is ready to release that information, but she was murdered,” Baxter said during the initial briefing.
Court filings indicate Busch, who worked as a paraprofessional at Honeoye Falls Middle School, has been evaluated and found competent to stand trial.
Trial Set for Early 2026
Jamie Busch is scheduled to face a jury on February 3, 2026, where she will answer to the murder and evidence-tampering charges. She remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The quiet community of Honeoye Falls, located about 18 miles south of Rochester, has been shaken by the case, which involves two longtime residents.
Community Impact and Ongoing Questions
The death of Penny Busch and the allegations against her sister have left many unanswered questions, particularly regarding what sparked the violent confrontation between the siblings.
Authorities have not publicly discussed:
- The possible motive behind the killing
- What additional evidence connects Jamie to the disposal of Penny’s body
- Whether anyone else may have assisted knowingly or unknowingly
Cases involving family members are rare but often deeply complex. Law-enforcement officials say the investigation remains active as prosecutors prepare for trial.
Final Note
If you live near Honeoye Falls or the Genesee River area and noticed unusual activity around Oct. 8–11, 2024, investigators encourage you to share any information that might aid the case.
Share your thoughts or experiences related to this case in the comments below.
