UPDATE: Ashlee Buzzard, a 40-year-old mother, has pleaded not guilty to the first-degree murder of her 9-year-old daughter, Melodee Buzzard. This shocking development comes just days after authorities confirmed the grim discovery of Melodee’s remains in Wayne County, Utah.
The case began to unfold when Melodee was reported missing on October 14 after her absence from school raised alarms. Investigators revealed that Ashlee and Melodee had embarked on a road trip from Lompoc, California, on October 7, traveling through multiple states before Melodee was last spotted on October 9 near the Colorado-Utah border.
During a court appearance on January 7, Ashlee Buzzard’s attorney entered the not guilty plea, while prosecutors confirmed they will not seek the death penalty but will pursue a life sentence without parole. Melodee’s decomposed body was discovered on December 8, and DNA analysis later confirmed the identity of the remains.
Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown stated that evidence collected indicates Ashlee Buzzard committed “this heinous crime” against her own daughter. Although the murder weapon has not been recovered, investigators seized a cartridge case that matches evidence found at both the crime scene and Ashlee’s residence.
The investigation has revealed the pair was traveling in a 2024 Chevrolet Malibu with license plates changing from 9MNG101 to HCG967 during their trip. Surveillance footage captured Ashlee and Melodee at a rental car agency in California, where they appeared to be wearing wigs, raising further questions about their journey.
The heartbreaking case has captured national attention, highlighting the tragic loss of Melodee Buzzard. As the legal proceedings unfold, the community and social media are reacting with an outpouring of grief and outrage.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the next hearing approaches.
