Ashlee Buzzard murder case
A judge threatened to issue an "extraction order" for Ashlee Buzzard, accused of murdering her daughter Melodee, on May 27, 2026, due to her repeated absences from court hearings citing illness. As of May 28, 2026, 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, and she has waived her right to a speedy trial through September. The prosecution has voiced skepticism about her absences, while the defense points to ongoing medical needs, and the case also involves legal wrangling over discovery and challenges to search warrants. Earlier rulings include a judge denying the defense's motion to compel additional evidence on May 7, 2026, and upholding the validity of a search warrant on May 6, 2026.
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May 2026 — 6 developments
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.
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.
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.
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.
A judge denied the defense's motion to compel additional evidence in the Ashlee Buzzard murder trial on May 7, 2026.
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.
Santa Barbara Superior Court judges have ruled on key aspects of the Ashlee Buzzard murder case.
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 trial for the murder of her daughter Melodee is scheduled to begin in 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.
A judge ruled in May 2026 that a search warrant used in the Ashlee Buzzard murder investigation is valid.
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 has been postponed to June 2026 after she waived time for a judge's ruling on a motion to challenge a search warrant.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 appeared in Lompoc court on March 19, 2026, for the first time since January.
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 appeared in court on March 18, 2026, for the murder of her daughter Melodee.
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, accused of murdering her daughter Melodee, missed her preliminary hearing for the second time on March 5, 2026, citing illness.
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, accused of murdering her daughter Melodee, failed to appear in court on March 4, 2026, for the second time, claiming 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 did not appear in court for her 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
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.
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.
The preliminary hearing for Ashlee Buzzard is scheduled.
The preliminary hearing for Ashlee Buzzard is scheduled.
Prosecutors in the Ashlee Buzzard murder case have stated they will not seek the death penalty, instead pursuing life imprisonment 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 first-degree murder, lying in wait, and firearm charges during her arraignment in Santa Barbara County Superior Court.
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 is arrested for the first-degree murder of her 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 analysis confirms that the remains discovered in Utah are a 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.
Cartridge cases recovered in Utah are linked by the ATF to a cartridge case recovered from the 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 the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office about the unidentified rem…
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.
A couple in a rural area of Wayne County, Utah, discovers decomposed human remains.
A couple in a rural area of Wayne County, Utah, discovers decomposed human remains.
November 2025 — 3 developments
A judge dismissed a felony false imprisonment charge against Ashlee Buzzard on November 20, 2025, finding insufficient probable cause.
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.
A judge dismisses the false imprisonment charge against Ashlee Buzzard due to insufficient probable cause, and she is released from pretrial 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 is arrested on a warrant for felony false imprisonment charges, unrelated to Melodee's disappearance.
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 a detailed travel timeline of Ashlee Buzzard's multi-state road trip with Melodee, noting attempts to avoid surveillance cameras.
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, both wearing wigs, are released to the public.
Images of Ashlee and Melodee Buzzard, both wearing wigs, are released to the public.
Detectives serve a search warrant at the Buzzard residence in Lompoc, California.
Detectives serve a search warrant at the Buzzard residence in Lompoc, California.
A school administrator reports Melodee's prolonged absence from school.
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 is last seen on surveillance video with her mother near the Colorado-Utah border.
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 her 9-year-old daughter, Melodee, depart Lompoc, California, in a rental car for a road trip to Nebraska.
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 has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of her 9-year-old daughter, Melodee Buzzard.
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.