Body Of Missing 9-Year-Old Melodee Buzzard Found Months After Disappearance As Mother Is Arrested And Refuses To Cooperate
CALIFORNIA — The body of 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard has been found nearly three months after she disappeared, closing a case that had raised serious red flags from the beginning. Authorities say the child had not been seen publicly for over a year after she stopped attending school, prompting long-standing concerns about her safety.
Mother Arrested After Months Of Refusing To Cooperate
Video captured by a neighbor shows Melodee’s mother, Ashlee Buzzard, being taken into custody from her California home early Tuesday morning. While police have not yet confirmed whether her arrest is directly connected to her daughter’s death, investigators say Buzzard repeatedly refused to cooperate or provide information about Melodee’s whereabouts throughout the investigation.
Cross-Country Travel And Suspicious Behavior Revealed
Detectives discovered that Buzzard and her daughter traveled more than 1,500 miles from California to Nebraska in October, making several stops along the way. The pair were allegedly seen wearing wigs and driving a rented Chevrolet Malibu that was later found with a license plate not registered to the vehicle nor to Buzzard. Investigators say these irregularities raised further alarms.
Family Had Long Feared For Melodee’s Safety
According to relatives, Melodee had not been seen by family members for over a year, and many had grown increasingly worried about Buzzard’s mental health. Family members say Buzzard previously lost custody of Melodee, struggled financially, and had a history of instability. Melodee’s grandmother said she was in the process of adopting the child before Buzzard allegedly took her away after being released from a mental hospital.
Timeline Before Melodee’s Death
Authorities say Melodee was last confirmed to be with her mother in early October. Since then, investigators have worked to piece together the family’s movements and determine how long Melodee had been missing before her body was discovered. More details are expected to be released as the investigation continues.
The loss of Melodee Buzzard has left family members devastated and raising questions about how long the child may have been in danger. Readers who wish to share thoughts or discuss the case can do so in the comments and follow ongoing coverage at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
