A California mother has been charged with the calculated murder of her 9-year-old daughter after an elaborate cross-country scheme to evade justice that underscores the complete breakdown of family protection in America.
Story Snapshot
- Ashlee Buzzard, 40, charged with murdering 9-year-old daughter Melodee with gunshot wounds to the head
- Mother traveled across five states using disguises and fake plates to cover up the heinous crime
- FBI DNA evidence and ballistic forensics linked bullet cartridges to Buzzard’s home and rental car
- Sheriff calls case “calculated, cold-blooded, and premeditated” with no apparent motive discovered
Premeditated Cross-Country Murder Plot Uncovered
Ashlee Buzzard, 40, faces murder charges after authorities discovered her 9-year-old daughter Melodee’s remains in rural Utah on December 6. The child suffered gunshot wounds to the head, with FBI DNA testing confirming the victim’s identity. Bullet cartridges found near the body were forensically linked to both Buzzard’s California home and her rental vehicle, establishing a clear trail of evidence connecting the mother to this heinous act against an innocent child.
Elaborate Deception Scheme Across Five States
The investigation revealed Buzzard’s calculated plan to evade detection after committing the murder. On October 7, she left California with Melodee in a rented Chevrolet Malibu, embarking on a journey through Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Nebraska, and Kansas. During this cross-country trip, both mother and daughter altered their appearances using wigs and illegally changed the vehicle’s license plate to avoid law enforcement detection.
Mother Returns Alone, Delays Reporting Missing Child
Buzzard returned to California alone on October 10, just three days after departing with her daughter. The timing suggests the murder occurred during the early stages of their journey, likely in Utah where the remains were eventually discovered. Melodee’s absence was not immediately reported to authorities, providing Buzzard additional time to establish an alibi and cover her tracks in what Sheriff Bill Brown described as a methodical criminal operation.
Law Enforcement Calls Crime “Cold-Blooded”
Sheriff Bill Brown characterized the case as “calculated, cold-blooded, and premeditated,” emphasizing the deliberate nature of the crime. Despite extensive investigation, authorities have not identified a clear motive for why Buzzard would murder her own child. The murder weapon remains missing, though forensic evidence from the bullet cartridges provides substantial proof linking the mother to the crime scene and the victim’s death.
