Photo: Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department
Ashlee Buzzard pleaded not guilty on Friday to first-degree murder charges in the death of her nine-year-old daughter, Melodee Buzzard.
The child's body was discovered in rural Utah after a search lasting more than two months. Buzzard, 40, is being held without bail and faces charges including "lying in wait" and related firearm offenses.
The case began when Melodee was reported missing by a school administrator on October 14, after she failed to return to school following an unusual cross-country trip with her mother. Authorities learned that Buzzard had rented a car and traveled through several states, including Nevada, Arizona, and Utah, using disguises and changing license plates to avoid detection. Surveillance footage captured the mother and daughter near the Utah-Colorado border on October 9, which investigators believe was shortly before Melodee's death.
According to CNN, Melodee's decomposed remains were found on December 6 by a couple taking photos near State Route 24 in Caineville, Utah. The Santa Barbara County Sheriff, Bill Brown, stated that Melodee died from gunshot wounds to the head. Ballistics evidence linked cartridge casings found at the scene to those discovered in Buzzard's home and rental car. Despite the evidence, the murder weapon has not been recovered.
The case has garnered widespread attention, with family members and the public closely following developments. Melodee's paternal grandmother, Lily Dennes, expressed outrage at Buzzard's not guilty plea, describing Melodee as a lovable child who was always smiling.
Prosecutors allege that the murder was premeditated and carried out with exceptional "cruelty" and "viciousness." However, they have decided not to seek the death penalty, instead aiming for life imprisonment without parole. Buzzard's preliminary hearing is scheduled for January 7, where a judge will determine if there is sufficient evidence for the case to proceed to trial.
Throughout the investigation, Buzzard has been uncooperative, refusing to provide a verifiable explanation for her daughter's whereabouts. Authorities relied on physical, digital, and forensic evidence to build their case. The motive for the crime remains unclear, and investigators do not believe anyone else was involved.
The tragic case highlights the complexities and challenges law enforcement faces in solving such crimes. As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of a young life cut short under such devastating circumstances.
Photo: Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department