Ashlee Buzzard Murder Case
Ashlee Buzzard, accused of murdering her 9-year-old daughter Melodee, is believed by investigators to have killed her with multiple gunshot wounds to the head. As of July 15, 2026, prosecutors do not intend to seek the death penalty in the case. Buzzard's preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 16, 2026, in Santa Maria Superior Court. A judge approved Buzzard's request to use a stress ball during her preliminary hearings on July 8, 2026, following previous court absences due to reported illness.
Timeline
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July 2026 — 2 developments
Ashlee Buzzard Case: Prosecutors Won't Seek Death Penalty; Hearing Set
Investigators believe Ashlee Buzzard killed her 9-year-old daughter, Melodee, with multiple gunshot wounds to the head. Prosecutors have stated they do not intend to seek the death penalty in the case. Buzzard's preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 16, 2026.
Ashlee Buzzard granted use of stress ball during preliminary hearings
A judge approved Ashlee Buzzard's request to use a stress ball during her preliminary hearings on July 8, 2026. Buzzard is accused of murdering her 9-year-old daughter, Melodee, and has pleaded not guilty. Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 16, 2026.
June 2026 — 1 developments
Ashlee Buzzard Preliminary Hearing Set for September 16, 2026
Ashlee Buzzard's preliminary hearing is tentatively scheduled for September 16, 2026, with the case moving to Santa Maria Superior Court as Judge Stephen Dunkle takes on a new assignment. Buzzard was arrested in December 2025 after her daughter was reported missing and later found deceased.
May 2026 — 7 developments
Ashlee Buzzard murder case: Preliminary hearing set for September 16, 2026
A preliminary hearing for Ashlee Buzzard, accused of murdering her daughter Melodee, is tentatively scheduled for September 16, 2026. The court will reconvene in early July to confirm the date and address a defense motion for ADA accommodations.
Ashlee Buzzard murder case: Preliminary hearing set for June 22
Ashlee Buzzard's preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 22, 2026, at the Santa Maria Courthouse, where a judge will determine if there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial. Buzzard has waived her right to a speedy trial through September.
Judge Warns of Extraction Order for Ashlee Buzzard Due to Missed Court Hearings
A judge has threatened to issue an "extraction order" for Ashlee Buzzard, accused of murdering her daughter Melodee, due to her repeated absences from court hearings citing illness. The prosecution has voiced skepticism about these absences, while the defense points to ongoing medical needs. The case also involves legal wrangling over discovery and challenges to search warrants.
Judge Denies Motion to Compel Evidence, Upholds Search Warrant in Ashlee Buzzard Murder Trial
A judge denied the defense's motion to compel additional evidence in the Ashlee Buzzard murder trial on May 7, 2026. The previous day, a judge ruled that a search warrant in the case would stand as evidence. Buzzard is accused of murdering her daughter, Melodee, and her preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 27, 2026.
Judges rule on search warrant and evidence disclosure in Ashlee Buzzard murder trial
Santa Barbara Superior Court judges have ruled on key aspects of the Ashlee Buzzard murder case. On May 6, Judge Denise Hippach upheld the validity of the search warrant, finding it supported by probable cause. The following day, Judge Stephen Dunkle denied the defense's request for further forensic evidence disclosure.
Ashlee Buzzard's murder trial scheduled for January 2026
Ashlee Buzzard's trial for the murder of her daughter Melodee is scheduled to begin in January 2026. Buzzard has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Authorities believe Melodee died from gunshot wounds, and evidence links bullet cartridges found near the body to a case from Ashlee's home.
Utah Judge Rules Search Warrant Valid in Melodee Buzzard Murder Case
A judge ruled in May 2026 that a search warrant used in the Ashlee Buzzard murder investigation is valid. The prosecution is not required to provide additional evidence to the defense at this time. Melodee Buzzard was reported missing in October 2025 and her remains were found in Utah in December 2025, leading to Ashlee Buzzard's arrest and murder charges.
April 2026 — 4 developments
Ashlee Buzzard's preliminary hearing postponed to 2026 after waiving time for search warrant challenge
Ashlee Buzzard's preliminary hearing has been postponed to June 2026 after she waived time for a judge's ruling on a motion to challenge a search warrant. Her defense team has also been granted access to sealed search warrants and affidavits. Buzzard is accused of murdering her 9-year-old daughter, Melodee.
Defense Files Motions to Compel Evidence in Ashlee Buzzard Murder Case
The defense in the Ashlee Buzzard murder case has filed motions to compel the prosecution to release key evidence, including DNA, ballistics, and autopsy reports. Hearings are scheduled for April 22 and May 6, 2026, to address these discovery issues and a separate motion to suppress evidence obtained via a search warrant.
Judge Schedules Hearings for Ashlee Buzzard Murder Case in 2026
Santa Barbara County Superior Court Judge has scheduled hearings for April and May 2026 to address defense motions to suppress evidence in the Ashlee Buzzard murder case. Buzzard is accused of murdering her 9-year-old daughter, Melodee.
Ashlee Buzzard, accused of murdering her daughter, faces upcoming hearings in April and May 2026
Upcoming hearings for Ashlee Buzzard, accused of murdering her daughter Melodee, are scheduled for April 22 and May 6, 2026, with the preliminary hearing still unscheduled. Investigators believe Buzzard took steps to avoid detection, such as switching license plates and wearing wigs, during a road trip with her daughter.
March 2026 — 4 developments
Ashlee Buzzard Waives Time, Extends Court Proceedings Through May
Ashlee Buzzard appeared in Lompoc court on March 19, 2026, for the first time since January. Her defense team filed a motion to traverse a search warrant, and Buzzard waived her time, extending court proceedings through the end of May.
Ashlee Buzzard pleads not guilty to daughter Melodee's murder
Ashlee Buzzard appeared in court on March 18, 2026, for the murder of her daughter Melodee. Her next court appearance is scheduled for April 1, 2026. Buzzard has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Ashlee Buzzard misses second preliminary hearing, judge warns of extraction order
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.
Ashlee Buzzard Fails to Appear in Court for Second Time, Citing Illness
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.
February 2026 — 1 developments
Ashlee Buzzard misses preliminary hearing due to illness
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.
January 2026 — 3 developments
Judge approves defense access to sealed warrants in Ashlee Buzzard murder case
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.
Ashlee Buzzard's Preliminary Hearing Scheduled
The preliminary hearing for Ashlee Buzzard is scheduled.
Ashlee Buzzard murder case: Prosecutors to seek life without parole
Prosecutors in the Ashlee Buzzard murder case have stated they will not seek the death penalty, instead pursuing life imprisonment without parole. A permanent gag order remains in effect for the proceedings, and her preliminary hearing has been postponed as the defense awaits discovery of forensic evidence.
December 2025 — 6 developments
Ashlee Buzzard pleads not guilty to murder and firearm charges
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.
Ashlee Buzzard Arrested for First-Degree Murder of Daughter Melodee
Ashlee Buzzard is arrested for the first-degree murder of her daughter, Melodee. Her remains were found in Utah. She is held without bail.
FBI Crime Lab confirms remains are familial DNA match to Ashlee Buzzard
FBI Crime Lab analysis confirms that the remains discovered in Utah are a familial DNA match to Ashlee Buzzard.
ATF links cartridge cases from Utah to Buzzard residence in Lompoc
Cartridge cases recovered in Utah are linked by the ATF to a cartridge case recovered from the Buzzard residence in Lompoc.
Wayne County authorities notify Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office of unidentified female remains
Wayne County authorities notify the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office about the unidentified remains, which are determined to be female and to have died from gunshot wounds to the head.
Wayne County couple discovers decomposed human remains
A couple in a rural area of Wayne County, Utah, discovers decomposed human remains.
November 2025 — 3 developments
Judge dismisses false imprisonment charge against Ashlee Buzzard
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.
Judge dismisses false imprisonment charge against Ashlee Buzzard, releases her from supervision
A judge dismisses the false imprisonment charge against Ashlee Buzzard due to insufficient probable cause, and she is released from pretrial supervision.
Ashlee Buzzard arrested on felony false imprisonment warrant, bail set at $100,000
Ashlee Buzzard is arrested on a warrant for felony false imprisonment charges, unrelated to Melodee's disappearance. Bail is set at $100,000.
October 2025 — 6 developments
Detectives Release Ashlee Buzzard's Multi-State Travel Timeline, Noting Surveillance Evasion
Detectives release a detailed travel timeline of Ashlee Buzzard's multi-state road trip with Melodee, noting attempts to avoid surveillance cameras.
Images of Ashlee and Melodee Buzzard wearing wigs released to public
Images of Ashlee and Melodee Buzzard, both wearing wigs, are released to the public.
Detectives serve search warrant at Buzzard residence in Lompoc, California
Detectives serve a search warrant at the Buzzard residence in Lompoc, California.
Deputies contact Ashlee after school reports Melodee's prolonged absence
A school administrator reports Melodee's prolonged absence from school. Deputies respond to the Buzzard residence and contact Ashlee, who provides no verifiable explanation for Melodee's whereabouts.
Melodee Buzzard last seen near Colorado-Utah border before suspected murder
Melodee Buzzard is last seen on surveillance video with her mother near the Colorado-Utah border. Investigators believe Melodee was murdered shortly after this date.
Ashlee Buzzard and daughter depart Lompoc in rental car, switch license plates to avoid detection
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.
January 2024 — 1 developments
Ashlee Buzzard Charged with First-Degree Murder in Daughter's Death
Ashlee Buzzard has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of her 9-year-old daughter, Melodee Buzzard. Authorities believe Melodee was shot and killed in October 2025, with her remains discovered in a rural Utah area on December 6, 2025. Investigators allege Buzzard took steps to avoid detection, and ballistics and DNA evidence link her to the remains.