Mother Arrested After Missing Nine-Year-Old Melodee Buzzard’s Body Discovered
Authorities have arrested the mother of nine-year-old Melodee Buzzard on suspicion of murder following the discovery of her daughter’s remains in Utah. The body was found earlier this month in a rural area by a couple taking photographs.
Details of the Case
Melodee Buzzard, who had been missing for months, was reported unaccounted for by her school on October 14. School officials indicated she had not been seen since August. Investigators began reviewing the circumstances around her disappearance, particularly focusing on her mother, 40-year-old Ashlee Buzzard.
Timeline of Events
- 2018-10-14: Melodee is reported missing by her school.
- 2018-08: Last confirmed sighting of Melodee.
- 2018-10-09: A security camera captures Ashlee and Melodee at the Colorado-Utah border.
- 2018-12-06: The couple discovers Melodee’s body and contacts authorities.
- 2018-12-22: DNA analysis confirms the identity of the remains as Melodee Buzzard.
Investigative Findings
Sheriff Bill Brown stated that investigators believe Melodee was murdered shortly after her last sighting. Evidence retrieved from the scene supported the claim that Ashlee Buzzard committed the crime. The body showed signs of gunshot wounds, indicating a violent end.
Previous Arrest and Charges
Additionally, Ashlee Buzzard faced an unrelated charge in November for false imprisonment. She allegedly held a man against his will while he assisted in the search for Melodee. However, the judge dismissed this charge shortly afterward.
This tragic case highlights the severe consequences of trust breaches within families and parenthood. The investigation remains a focal point for local law enforcement as they piece together the circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking incident.
