Police Blotter

Mother charged with murder of 14-year-old daughter with autism

Detroit, MI A mother has been charged with murder after her 14-year-old daughter, Kylee Clark, died in July. Vangie Renee Averhart, 37, is accused of causing the death of her daughter, who had autism and other developmental disorders.

Averhart appeared in court this week where evidence was presented regarding the incident. Testimony revealed that Averhart’s boyfriend left the pair alone for approximately ten minutes on July 7 before he was summoned for help.

Upon his return, the boyfriend found Kylee in distress and performed CPR after removing food from her mouth. Emergency responders transported Kylee to the hospital where she died five days later.

A pediatrician testified in court that Kylee suffered blunt force trauma to the head leading to significant brain bleeding. The physician described the injuries as severe, stating it would require a substantial amount of force to inflict such harm.

Prosecutors allege that Averhart no longer wanted to care for her daughter. It was stated that she desired to be with her boyfriend instead of looking after Kylee.

Averhart’s defense attorney pointed to the boyfriend, claiming he was responsible for Kylee’s injuries after an incident involving spilled milk. The boyfriend denied any wrongdoing and has remained consistent in his account of the events.

Averhart’s trial is set to proceed after a judge established sufficient evidence for the prosecution. Earlier accounts provided by Averhart regarding her daughter’s injuries were inconsistent.

Prosecutors mentioned that Kylee lived in a locked room and that authorities had previously investigated Averhart for concerns over her daughter’s safety. Family members indicated that Averhart’s statements regarding Kylee were deceptive.

Kylee’s obituary highlighted her vibrant personality and joyful spirit. Averhart remains in custody without bond, awaiting her next court hearing scheduled for November 26.

Grand jury clears father in college shooting incident

Franklin County, KY

Jacob Bard will not face charges for a shooting incident involving a mob that attacked his son on a college campus. A Franklin County grand jury declined to indict Bard, citing insufficient evidence related to the shooting at Kentucky State University.

The incident began when Bard’s son experienced threats and harassment following a burglary in his dorm room in October. On December 6, a large group of individuals violently assaulted the 18-year-old and three of his friends in the dorm.

Two days later, the group returned to the campus with weapons, prompting Bard’s family to travel to the college around midnight. Upon arrival, they discovered that their son had not eaten for days due to safety concerns, and subsequent meetings with campus police failed to alleviate the family’s fears.

With continued threats against his son, Bard approached the dorm when he encountered individuals who had previously attacked his son. As tensions escalated, Bard armed himself with his wife’s firearm to protect his family from the oncoming crowd.

In the ensuing chaos, Bard shot two individuals who were attacking his son. One of the individuals died, while the other was hospitalized but later stabilized.

Bard was initially charged with murder and assault, but his attorney contended that the university failed to address ongoing threats and violence on campus. The attorney also criticized law enforcement for not pursuing charges against the attackers.

Bard’s family has received death threats, prompting them to relocate for their safety. The shooting remains under investigation, with Kentucky State University stating that it is cooperating with law enforcement and enhancing security measures on campus to protect its students.

Mother charged in murder of 5-year-old daughter following extreme abuse allegations

Reno, NV A mother has been accused of participating in the severe abuse of her 5-year-old daughter, Izabella Loving, resulting in the child’s death. Andrea Loving was arraigned on a first-degree murder charge on Tuesday after her charge was upgraded from child abuse.

Izabella died in April from bacterial pneumonia, but the investigation revealed multiple blunt force injuries, malnutrition, dehydration, and medical neglect were also factors in her death. Court documents state that Andrea allowed the girl’s father, Nicholas Loving, to physically abuse and starve Izabella, claiming the mistreatment occurred “more times than she could count.”

The amended complaint details that Andrea and Nicholas engaged in “daily mistreatment” of Izabella, including confining her and limiting her food intake to minimal portions. During her interviews with detectives, Andrea reportedly acknowledged that Izabella was usually fed only a piece of bread each day.

Before Izabella’s death, Andrea conducted internet searches with alarming phrases such as “signs my child is dying,” and “my five-year-old is peeing blood.” Investigators discovered that the child was kept in a locked cubby structure that measured approximately five feet by five feet.

Text messages recovered from the Lovings’ phones indicated that Andrea frequently sought permission from Nicholas to feed Izabella, with most responses being negative. The couple supposedly locked their daughter in the cubby as a form of punishment for minor offenses like stealing food.

A detective from the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office noted that Andrea expressed fear of Nicholas as the reason for her inaction regarding the abuse. In her statements, Andrea said she believed punishment would be inflicted on her if she intervened.

Andrea claimed responsibility for allowing the abuse to continue, admitting that she did not act to protect Izabella, even when she was aware of the violence inflicted on her. She described being aware of Nicholas kicking Izabella and insisted she was not physically abusive herself.

In the police statements, Andrea acknowledged that she should have sought medical help for Izabella, stating the child had been ill for over a week before finally attempting to take her to a doctor. The last known medical visit for Izabella occurred in October 2022.

Andrea expressed regret during her interviews, stating, “I should go to jail for not helping her and Nick should go to jail for killing her.” Both Andrea and Nicholas are scheduled for preliminary hearings on February 6, 2026.

Mother charged in daughter’s death after cross-country trip

Lompoc, CA

A mother has been arrested following the discovery of her 9-year-old daughter’s body in Utah after a prolonged search. Officials found Melodee Buzzard’s remains earlier this month, and DNA tests confirmed her identity.

Ashlee Buzzard was taken into custody on Tuesday at approximately 7:45 a.m. It remains unclear what charges have been filed against her or the specific location in Utah where the body was found.

Melodee was reportedly last seen near the Utah-Colorado border on October 9. Sources indicate investigators believe she may have died prior to being reported missing.

Buzzard initially left her home in Lompoc on October 7, traveling to Nebraska and returning three days later without her daughter. During the return trip, it is alleged she attempted to evade authorities by changing her appearance and altering license plates.

Law enforcement first learned about Melodee’s disappearance on October 14 when the Lompoc Unified School District informed them of her extended absence. Deputies found no verifiable explanation for her whereabouts at Buzzard’s residence in the 500 block of Mars Avenue.

Sheriff Bill Brown described the case as perplexing. Buzzard’s mother stated that her daughter had been facing mental health issues since Melodee’s father died in a car accident when she was an infant.

According to the mother, Child Protective Services had taken custody of Melodee due to unsafe living conditions in Ashlee’s home.

Details surrounding the investigation and charges filed against Ashlee Buzzard will be updated as they become available.

Sister holds dying girl after ambush shooting in Goldsboro

GOLDSBORO, NC A 13-year-old girl was shot and killed as she walked home with her older sister on Sunday evening. The pair was ambushed by three teenage boys who emerged from bushes and opened fire.

Jaleeyah Tune was struck by a bullet and died at the scene. Her 14-year-old sister, J’Sheeyah Tune, recounted the moments after the shooting.

“I held her in her last moments,” J’Sheeyah said. She added that she felt Jaleeyah’s presence in those final moments.

The sisters had been walking with friends to get something to eat before heading home. The group was confronted by a 15-year-old and two 16-year-old males who approached from the 200 block of Alpha Court.

Witnesses reported the aftermath of the shooting. A resident, Jeffery Rudolph, expressed his sorrow at the scene while offering support to the family.

The teenage suspects have been arrested and charged with first-degree murder and felony conspiracy. One suspect appeared in court on Monday, while the others are expected to appear later this week.

This incident continues to resonate within the Goldsboro community, as many express their heartbreak over the tragedy. J’Sheeyah emphasized her sister’s innocence, stating, “She didn’t deserve this at all.”