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California authorities will announce “significant developments” in the disappearance of 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard after her mother, Ashlee Buzzard, was detained in connection with the investigation, the Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office and Sheriff's Office confirmed to Fox News Digital.
Multiple sources told ABC News that Melodee's body was found in early December in Utah, in an area where investigators believe she and her mother traveled in October. Authorities believe the 9-year-old girl was murdered and was likely already dead weeks before she was reported missing, sources said.
According to ABC News, Ashlee Buzzard was arrested after DNA results linked her to the recovered remains. Officials have not yet publicly confirmed those details, and Fox News Digital has reached out to authorities for additional comment.
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office said the developments will be detailed during a press conference at 2 p.m. local time on Tuesday.
MELODEE BUZZARD'S MOM OF MISSING 'AT RISK' GIRL APPEARS IN COURT AFTER ALLEGED CONFRONTATION WITH BOX CUTTER
Ashlee Buzzard, left, mother of Melodee Buzzard, right, is seen in a surveillance image taken at a car rental company in Lompoc, California, on October 7, 2025. (Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office)
Buzzard, 35, had previously been held on an unrelated felony charge of false imprisonment, and officials have not yet revealed how the new development directly relates to the missing child case.
Melodee, whom authorities had described as “at risk,” was last seen on Oct. 7 while traveling with her mother after the couple left California in a rented Chevrolet Malibu.
CHARGE AGAINST MELODEE BUZZARD'S MOM DISMISSED, ANKLE MONITOR REMOVED AS FBI SEARCH FOR MISSING 9-YEAR-OLD
Melodee Buzzard was reported missing on October 14, according to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office. (Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office and FBI)
Investigators say the vehicle traveled through several states before being returned, and authorities believe its license plates were temporarily swapped during the trip.
The Sheriff's Office said it began investigating Melodee's disappearance on Oct. 14 after a school official reported her extended absence.
Ashlee Buzzard sits with her attorney at the defense table during court testimony. (Jamie Vera/Fox News)
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Deputies have said Buzzard did not provide a verifiable explanation for his daughter's location and did not cooperate in confirming Melodee's well-being.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
Stepheny Price covers crimes, including missing persons, homicides and crimes against migrants. Send story tips to [email protected].
