Mother charged in daughter's death after cross-country trip — Crime scene investigation - File Photo.

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.

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