California mother accused of killing 9-year-old daughter after multi-state road trip
A California mother is behind bars, accused of killing her own daughter after a months-long search that ended in tragedy.
(NBC)- A California mother is behind bars, accused of killing her own daughter after a months-long search that ended in tragedy.
Investigators say nine-year-old Melodee Buzzard died from gunshot wounds to the head. Her body was discovered earlier this month in a remote area of Wayne County, Utah.
The child’s mother, 40-year-old Ashlee Buzzard, was arrested at her home in Santa Barbara County. Video released by authorities shows her being led away in handcuffs.
Santa Barbara County Sheriff-Coroner Bill Brown called the case particularly disturbing, saying, “This level of criminal activity is particularly shocking given the heartlessness that went into planning it, and the ruthlessness that went into actually committing the crime.”
Authorities believe Melodee was killed on October 9 while on a three-day road trip with her mother. Investigators say the two traveled in a white Chevy Malibu through as many as eight states, reaching as far as Nebraska.
Along the way, investigators say the vehicle’s license plate was switched from California to New York in an effort to avoid detection. Surveillance video also shows the pair wearing wigs at a California car rental counter.
On October 10, Ashlee Buzzard returned home alone. Her daughter was not with her.
Four days later, Melodee’s school contacted police after she failed to attend class. Investigators say the mother remained uncooperative during the investigation.
In November, Ashlee Buzzard was arrested on false imprisonment charges unrelated to her daughter’s disappearance. That case was later dismissed by a judge citing a lack of evidence.
Sheriff Brown called the case one of the most devastating tragedies a community can face, saying, “The loss of a child is among the most profound tragedies any community can endure, particularly at the hand of the one who should have loved them the most.”
The investigation remains ongoing.
