The mother of a nine-year-old girl who vanished in October has been arrested after DNA testing confirmed that human remains discovered in Utah are those of her missing daughter, according to new reports.
Arrest Follows Grim Discovery
Ashlee Buzzard, from Lompoc, California, was taken into custody on Tuesday, 23 December 2025. The arrest came shortly after authorities received conclusive results from a DNA analysis. The tests confirmed that remains found in early December in a Utah location are those of her daughter, Melodee Buzzard, who was nine years old.
The area in Utah where the remains were discovered was known to be a place the young girl had visited with her mother. The Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office, which is leading the investigation, has not yet released specific details regarding the circumstances of the discovery or the arrest.
Timeline of a Disappearance
Melodee was first reported missing on 14 October after the Lompoc Unified School District notified authorities of her prolonged absence from school. Her disappearance triggered a search that spanned several months before the tragic discovery in Utah.
Officials have announced a press conference is scheduled for 2 p.m. PT on Monday to provide further information on the case. The community, which has followed the search for Melodee for months, awaits more details from the sheriff's office.
Investigation Continues
While the arrest of Ashlee Buzzard marks a significant development, the case remains active. The Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office is expected to outline the next steps in their investigation and potential charges during the upcoming press briefing.
The confirmation of the child's identity through DNA evidence was the pivotal break in a case that has drawn national attention, highlighting the use of forensic technology in solving missing persons investigations.
