Ashlee Buzzard, a 40-year-old mother from Lompoc, California, was arrested on December 23, 2025, for the first-degree murder of her 9-year-old daughter, Melodee Elani Buzzard, whose decomposed remains were found in rural Wayne County, Utah. Authorities confirmed the identity through DNA matching and ballistic evidence linking shell casings from the Utah scene to Buzzard’s home.​
Case Timeline
Melodee was reported missing on October 14, 2025, after her school noted prolonged absence; deputies found no explanation at the family’s Mars Avenue home. Buzzard had embarked on a multi-state road trip starting October 7, with Melodee last seen on video near the Utah-Colorado border on October 9; Buzzard returned alone on October 10. The body was discovered December 6 by a couple photographing in a remote area off East State Route 24.​
Evidence and Arrest
Investigators linked the crime via ATF analysis of cartridge cases from Utah to one found at Buzzard’s residence, with similar live rounds in her rental vehicle. Buzzard allegedly evaded detection by wearing wigs, switching license plates, and backing into gas stations to avoid cameras; she remained uncooperative. She was taken into custody at 7:51 a.m. on December 23 without incident and held without bail.​
Family Background
Buzzard’s mother, Lori Miranda, described her as bipolar with longstanding mental health issues, evaluated since childhood, and stated she needed hospitalization. Melodee’s grandmother noted prior CPS involvement due to squalid living conditions, including raw eggs and rotten food.[query] Buzzard herself faced homelessness at age 9 while fleeing an abusive father with Miranda.
