Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

Episode: Eerie Disguise: Missing Melodee Buzzard Seen in Wig Before Vanishing | Crime Alert 6AM 10.27.25
Date: October 27, 2025
Host: Nancy Grace

Overview

This episode primarily centers on the disturbing disappearance of 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard from California. Nancy Grace and correspondents break down key details surrounding the case, the timeline of Melodee's vanishing, and the ongoing search led by law enforcement and family. The episode also includes quick coverage of other crime alerts, such as a fatal college homecoming shooting in Pennsylvania and the continued search for missing teen Aiden Clune.

Main Story: Disappearance of Melodee Buzzard

Summary & Key Discussion Points

Timeline of Events

• Melodee Buzzard, age 9, not seen in weeks; missing since at least early October.
• Initial concern raised when school administrators reported Melodee chronically absent for months ([00:06]).
• Law enforcement visited the family home: mother (Ashley Buzzard) present, Melodee missing.

Critical Evidence

• Surveillance photos captured on October 7 show Melodee in disguise—wearing a wig and hoodie—at a car rental agency ([00:27]).
• That same day, Ashley rented a white Chevy Malibu and began a cross-country trip (California → Nebraska, with Kansas stop), with Melodee seen with her at the start.
• Ashley returned to California on October 10 without Melodee ([00:43]).
• Investigators have a narrow three-day window to determine Melodee's disappearance timeline.

Mother’s Cooperation and Investigation Challenges

• Ashley Buzzard described as uncooperative, providing only outdated photos and limited information ([00:52]).
• Investigators are working with minimal leads and relying on public assistance.

Family Appeal and Emotional Impact

• Family held a vigil near Melodee’s last known location ([01:11]).
• Grandmother Lily Deans delivers a direct appeal:
  • "If she's listening, we love you. We're here for you. We can help. We want you to be happy. Call me. The numbers are on the TV that you can call and I will come pick you up." — Lily Deans ([01:15])
• Melodee's father died in a motorcycle crash when she was 6 months old ([01:35]).
• Aunt shares difficulty with identification:
  • “She was just a little four-year-old girl when we had known her. But that nose definitely, you know, reminds me of her dad's. So yeah, she, it does look like her.” — Melodee’s aunt ([02:03])

Official Response

• FBI Missing Poster: Melodee described as 4' to 4'6" tall, 60-100 lbs ([02:17]).
• Sheriff Bill Brown: “We remain determined to bring her home safely.” ([02:40])
• Repeat call for public assistance: Contact Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office or the FBI with any information.

Other Crime Stories Briefs

College Homecoming Shooting – Pennsylvania

• Incident: Shooting at Lincoln University’s homecoming, October 25 ([04:58]).
• Details:
  • 1 dead, 6 injured.
  • Shooting occurred outside the International Cultural Center during a post-game event.
  • Law enforcement: Multiple shooters possible, no indication of premeditation.
  • Support: University offering counseling for victims and staff; investigation ongoing.
  • “We’re proceeding under the assumption that this was not a deliberate attempt to cause mass harm on a college campus.” — DA Christopher Sarob ([05:46])
  • Students to receive updates Monday morning.

Missing Teen Aiden Clune – Nevada

• Background:
  • 19-year-old Aiden Clune left California for Utah on April 26; found last at a Nevada hotel.
  • Car and belongings abandoned near Cherry Creek Mountains — tracks lead 10 miles into the wilderness before being lost due to weather ([06:31]).
  • Family notes he was struggling with depression.
  • Clune missing for 3 years.
  • Contact: Sonoma County Sheriffs (707-565-2569) for tips ([07:10]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “If she's listening, we love you. We're here for you. We can help. We want you to be happy. Call me... I will come pick you up.”
  — Lily Deans (Melodee’s grandmother) ([01:15])
• “She was just a little four-year-old girl when we had known her. But that nose definitely, you know, reminds me of her dad's.”
  — Melodee’s aunt ([02:03])
• “We remain determined to bring her home safely.”
  — Sheriff Bill Brown ([02:40])
• “We’re proceeding under the assumption that this was not a deliberate attempt to cause mass harm on a college campus.”
  —DA Christopher Sarob ([05:46])

Timestamps – Key Story Segments

• 00:06: Nicole Parton gives the latest on Melodee Buzzard's disappearance
• 00:27–01:45: Timeline of Melodee's last known whereabouts & family's appeals
• 02:17: FBI missing poster details & law enforcement statement
• 04:58: Pennsylvania college shooting—incident summary and police comments
• 06:31: Brief on missing teen Aiden Clune case

Conclusion

The episode highlights the urgency and complexity of child missing person cases, using the Melodee Buzzard case to underscore the emotional and investigative challenges such situations present. The host and correspondents emphasize the importance of public awareness and participation, and the episode closes with appeals for information and reminders about the broader mission of Crime Stories with Nancy Grace.

For updates on these and other cases, listeners are encouraged to visit crimeonline.com or contact law enforcement with tips.