UPDATE: Ashlee Buzzard, a 40-year-old mother, has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder in the tragic shooting death of her 9-year-old daughter, Melodee Buzzard. The plea was entered during a court appearance earlier today, following her arrest on Tuesday.
This shocking case has captured national attention as the details unfold. Melodee was reported missing on October 14 after a school administrator noted her absence. Authorities began their investigation shortly after, revealing that Ashlee and Melodee had embarked on a road trip from California on October 7, traveling as far as Nebraska.
Melodee was last seen on October 9, captured on security footage near the Colorado-Utah border. Tragically, her decomposed body was discovered in Wayne County, Utah, on December 8. The Santa Barbara County Sheriff, Bill Brown, confirmed that DNA analysis from the FBI crime lab positively identified the remains as Melodee’s.
During the hearing today, Buzzard’s attorney entered the not guilty plea, and the next court date is set for January 7. Prosecutors have announced they will not pursue the death penalty but will seek a life sentence without parole.
Sheriff Brown stated, “We have recovered a significant amount of evidence that clearly indicates that this heinous crime was committed by Ashlee Buzzard, Melodee’s mother.” Investigators found a cartridge case matching those at the crime scene at Buzzard’s home, though the murder weapon has yet to be located.
Authorities reported that the Buzzards were traveling in a 2024 Chevrolet Malibu with the license plate 9MNG101 before switching to a vehicle with a New York license plate during their journey. Surveillance footage shows Ashlee and Melodee at a rental car agency in Lompoc, California, wearing wigs prior to their trip.
This heartbreaking tragedy raises numerous questions and has left the community in shock. As the case unfolds, many are left wondering about the circumstances that led to this devastating event.
Stay tuned for further developments as this case progresses, and for updates on the upcoming court hearing.
