Ashlee Buzzard murder investigation

Developing StoryLast updated MAR 8
SUMMARY

Ashlee Buzzard, accused of the first-degree murder of her daughter Melodee, missed her preliminary hearing for the second time on March 5, 2026, in Santa Barbara County, California, citing illness. As of March 5, 2026: Judge Stephen Dunkle rescheduled the hearing for March 18, 2026, warning that a third absence would result in an extraction order. Buzzard, who pleaded not guilty on December 26, 2025, was arrested on December 23, 2025, after Melodee's remains, confirmed by FBI DNA analysis on December 22, 2025, were found in Utah with gunshot wounds to the head. A felony false imprisonment charge against Buzzard, unrelated to her daughter's disappearance, was dismissed on November 20, 2025.

Timeline

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2026

5 updates

Ashlee Buzzard, accused of murdering her daughter Melodee, missed her preliminary hearing for the second time on March 5, 2026, citing illness. Judge Stephen Dunkle rescheduled the hearing for March 18, warning that a third missed appearance would result in an extraction order. A felony false imprisonment charge against Buzzard, unrelated to her daughter's disappearance, was dismissed on November 20, 2025.

via Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office

Ashlee Buzzard, accused of murdering her daughter Melodee, failed to appear in court on March 4, 2026, for the second time, claiming illness. The judge approved a motion to admonish spectators due to previous outbursts. Buzzard's defense team is reviewing evidence, and the hearing was rescheduled.

via latimes.com

Ashlee Buzzard did not appear in court for her preliminary hearing due to illness. The defense is still receiving evidence, and a hearing date has not yet been set. Buzzard's attorney stated she felt intimidated by outbursts at a previous hearing.

via courttv.com

In the case against Ashlee Buzzard, charged with the murder of her daughter, a judge has approved a defense motion to access sealed search warrants and affidavits. A permanent gag order will remain in effect for the remainder of the criminal proceedings.

via courttv.com

2025

15 updates

Ashlee Buzzard pleads not guilty to first-degree murder, lying in wait, and firearm charges during her arraignment in Santa Barbara County Superior Court. Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for January 7, 2026.

via sbsheriff.org·youtube.com·youtube.com·youtube.com·youtube.com

A judge dismissed a felony false imprisonment charge against Ashlee Buzzard on November 20, 2025, finding insufficient probable cause. Buzzard had been arrested in early November for allegedly holding a man against his will. This charge was dismissed before her later arrest for the murder of her daughter, Melodee.

via cbsnews.com

Ashlee Buzzard and her 9-year-old daughter, Melodee, depart Lompoc, California, in a rental car for a road trip to Nebraska. Surveillance footage shows both wearing wigs, and authorities later learned Ashlee switched the rental car's license plates to New Mexico tags to avoid detection.

via sbsheriff.org·youtube.com·youtube.com·youtube.com·youtube.com

Story began · 5 months ago