In a brief but emotionally charged arraignment hearing at Santa Barbara County Superior Court on December 26, 2025, Ashlee Buzzard, 40, formally pleaded not guilty to the first-degree murder of her 9-year-old daughter, Melodee Buzzard, along with special circumstances allegations. The plea drew gasps and whispers from the courtroom gallery, where family members of the victim sat in stunned silence. Buzzard, appearing via video link from jail, maintained a composed demeanor as her public defender entered the denial on her behalf, marking her first public response since the shocking charges were filed.

Ashlee Buzzard, a resident of Lompoc, California, faces one count of first-degree murder with special circumstances of lying in wait and personally discharging a firearm causing death. Prosecutors allege she shot Melodee multiple times in the head during a multi-state road trip in October 2025, then dumped the child’s body in a remote area of Wayne County, Utah. Melodee’s remains were discovered on December 6 by a couple taking photographs, and FBI DNA testing confirmed her identity on December 22.

The hearing took place in Santa Maria, with Buzzard dressed in jail attire, her hair tied back. Public defender Adrian Galvan stated the not guilty plea to all charges and enhancements. Senior Deputy District Attorney Jordan Lockey announced that the office would not seek the death penalty but would pursue life without parole if convicted. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for January 7, 2026. Buzzard remains held without bail.

The case originated from Melodee’s prolonged absence from school in October 2025, prompting a welfare check at the family home in Lompoc. Buzzard provided no credible explanation for her daughter’s whereabouts. Investigators uncovered evidence of a planned road trip in a rented white Chevrolet Malibu, traveling through California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Wyoming, Nebraska, and back via Kansas and Colorado.

Surveillance footage showed mother and daughter wearing wigs as disguises, Buzzard swapping license plates, and parking backward at gas stations to avoid cameras. Melodee was last seen alive on October 9 near the Colorado-Utah border. Buzzard returned home alone on October 10.

The child’s body was found with multiple gunshot wounds to the head. Shell casings at the scene matched those recovered from Buzzard’s home and similar ammunition in the rental car. The murder weapon has not been located. Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown described the crime as “cold, calculated, and ruthless,” highlighting the premeditation and callousness involved.

Buzzard had a prior arrest in November for allegedly holding a man against his will, though charges were dropped due to insufficient evidence. She was largely uncooperative during the missing person investigation.

Victim’s maternal grandmother Lilly Denes and other family members attended the hearing, reacting visibly to the not guilty plea. They have organized vigils and worn pink ribbons in Melodee’s memory. The community in Lompoc and online has expressed profound shock at this rare case of alleged maternal filicide, mourning the loss of an innocent child.

The case continues to draw significant attention, with prosecutors emphasizing substantial evidence against Buzzard. Upcoming proceedings promise to reveal more details about motive and actions, as the victim’s family seeks justice for the 9-year-old girl.