Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

Episode: Ashlee Buzzard Arrested Amid Ongoing Search for Missing Daughter Melodee | Crime Alert 6AM 11.09.25
Date: November 10, 2025
Host: Nancy Grace (iHeartPodcasts and CrimeOnline)

Overview

This episode centers on the urgent developments in the case of missing nine-year-old Melodee Buzzard from California. Nancy Grace and reporter Nicole Parton detail the recent arrest of Melodee’s mother, Ashlee Buzzard, while emphasizing that the focus remains on locating the missing child. They break down law enforcement’s statements, recent investigative findings, efforts by multiple agencies, and appeals to the public for help.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Arrest of Ashlee Buzzard & Case Updates

• (00:04–00:57) Reporter Nicole Parton details:

  • Ashlee Buzzard (40) arrested in Santa Barbara County on a felony charge of false imprisonment.

  • Arrest not directly linked to Melodee's disappearance; details withheld to protect the integrity of the investigation.

    “Authorities in California have arrested the mother of a missing nine year old girl, Melody Buzzard, who was last seen in early October. The arrest, however, is not directly related to the child's disappearance.”
    — Nicole Parton (00:04)

• Incident specifics:

  • Witness video shows Ashlee led away by law enforcement.
  • Allegation: Ashlee prevented a victim from leaving a location, unrelated to Melodee’s disappearance.

2. Disappearance Timeline & Investigation

• (00:58–01:48) Ongoing search for Melodee:

  • Melodee was last seen in early October, captured with Ashlee in surveillance video during a road trip.

  • Authorities believe they traveled as far as Nebraska.

  • Twisting detail: Rental car license plate was switched, possibly to evade detection.

    "The indications are that the license plate was switched to avoid detection. We don't have any other plausible reason for why Ashley would have switched the plates."
    — Law enforcement spokesperson (01:08)

• (01:21–01:48) Continued search & law enforcement focus:

  • Ashlee currently held in jail; bail set at $100,000.
  • FBI Los Angeles Field Office engaged; Melodee considered at risk.
  • Officials released footage from October 7th showing Ashlee and Melodee, both in wigs.
  • Ashlee changed her appearance multiple times, possibly to avoid recognition.

• (01:48–02:34) Missing report circumstances:

  • School administrator reported Melodee’s prolonged absence on October 14.

  • Deputies responded to family home; Melodee not present, no credible explanation from Ashlee.

  • Key identifying details for Melodee: 4'6", 60 lbs, brown hair, brown eyes.

    “Despite the arrest, the sheriff's office emphasized that their primary focus remains on locating Melody and ensuring her safety. The child is considered at risk...”
    — Nicole Parton (01:21)

• Appeal to listeners:

  • Anyone with information urged to contact Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office or local authorities.

3. Public Involvement & Ongoing Efforts

• Strong emphasis is placed on the child’s vulnerability and the continuing multi-agency investigation.
• "The investigation remains active and ongoing." — Nicole Parton (02:34)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the urgency and oddity of the case:

  “Authorities believe the pair traveled as far as Nebraska. In a troubling twist, the rental car they were using reportedly had its license plate swapped, an apparent attempt to avoid detection.”
  — Nicole Parton (00:43)

• On law enforcement’s determination:

  “Despite the arrest, the sheriff's office emphasized that their primary focus remains on locating Melody and ensuring her safety.”
  — Nicole Parton (01:21)

• On the public call to action:

  “If you have any information that could help locate Melody, please contact the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office or your local authorities immediately.”
  — Nicole Parton (02:22)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:04 — Nicole Parton reports on Ashlee Buzzard’s arrest
• 00:58 — Details on Melodee Buzzard’s disappearance & investigation updates
• 01:08 — Discussion of license plate switch (Quote from law enforcement)
• 01:17 — Ashlee held in jail, child’s at-risk status, FBI involvement
• 01:48 — Timeline leading up to missing person report; school administrators involved
• 02:22 — Melodee’s description & direct appeal to public for assistance
• 02:34 — Reporter handoff; investigation ongoing

Language & Tone

• Nancy Grace’s direct, urgent delivery is mirrored by the reporters’ measured, fact-based tone.
• The language emphasizes both the gravity of the situation and the importance of public vigilance.

Additional Crime Alerts (Brief Wrap-up)

(Beyond the main topic, the episode included brief mentions of other crime stories, such as a tragic vehicle-pedestrian crash in Tampa and a missing person case in Houston. These segments, while informative, received less in-depth focus.)

Summary

This episode delivers an urgent update on a developing case: the arrest of Ashlee Buzzard amid the ongoing search for her missing daughter, Melodee. The episode underscores suspicious actions (like switching license plates and changing appearances with wigs), the multi-state nature of the case, and law enforcement’s prioritization of Melodee’s welfare. The host repeatedly urges the public to come forward with any information, reinforcing the use of the podcast as both a news platform and a tool for mobilizing community action.