Mother Suspected Of Murder After Body Of 9-Year-Old Melodee Buzzard Found: Crime Alert Recap Saturday 12.27.2025

Summary

Crime Stories with Nancy Grace: Crime Alert Recap (Saturday, 12.27.2025)

Episode: Mother Suspected Of Murder After Body Of 9-Year-Old Melodee Buzzard Found
Host/Network: iHeartPodcasts and CrimeOnline
Date: December 27, 2025

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Episode Overview

This episode dives into several shocking and tragic crime stories from around the United States, with a lead focus on the murder charges against Ashley Buzzard after the discovery of her 9-year-old daughter Melodee’s body. The show features crime updates, legal proceedings, community reactions, and law enforcement insights, all delivered in the signature direct and urgent style of Crime Stories.

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1. Main Case: Melodee Buzzard’s Murder — Details & Reactions

Starts at 02:13

Key Discussion Points

• Arraignment of Ashley Buzzard

  • Ashley appears in Santa Barbara County Superior Court, pleads not guilty, and rejects all additional allegations. (02:13)
  • Represented by public defender Adrienne Galvin, who requests and obtains a gag order on case evidence.
  • The trial is scheduled for January 7.

• Family & Community Response

  • Audible gasp and crying in the courtroom after Ashley’s plea.
  • Melodee’s grandmother, Lily Dines, expresses distress but calls for patience with the legal process.
  • Family urges the public not to donate to any GoFundMe campaigns, as they have not requested financial support.
  • Ashley’s neighbors feel confusion and frustration over her not guilty plea, with some suspecting preferential treatment. Relief arises over her incarceration.

• Crime Details & Evidence

  • Melodee’s body was discovered in Utah on December 6 by passersby.
  • Cause of death: gunshot wounds to the head as confirmed by Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown.
  • FBI DNA analysis confirms the identity; significant evidence links Ashley Buzzard to the killing.
  • Investigators recover an expended cartridge case, a live round matching ammunition found, but not the murder weapon itself.
  • Melodee last seen on Oct 7th on security video; mother seen altering child’s appearance with a wig at rental car business.
  • Three-day road trip documented: California to Nebraska and back, passing through Kansas and ending with Melodee last seen near the Utah-Colorado border. Ashley returns home alone.
  • Authorities state Ashley was uncooperative during searches.

Memorable Quotes

• “It was clear that she died from gunshot wounds to the head.” — Sheriff Bill Brown [03:40]
• “Investigators have uncovered a significant amount of evidence that indicates Buzzard killed her daughter.” — Nicole Parton, recapping Sheriff Brown [03:56]
• “I will wait patiently for the legal process to unfold.” — Lily Dines, Melodee’s grandmother [03:28]

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2. Barnes & Noble Bookstore Slaying in Palm Beach Gardens

Starts at 04:51

Key Discussion Points

• Victim: 65-year-old grandmother, Rita Loncharic, killed while shopping for Christmas presents.
• Suspect: Antonio Moore, a 40-year-old homeless drifter with previous arrests for violence, who allegedly stabbed Rita for being “the closest person to him.”
• Incident Details:
  • Attack took place at 7:53pm while victim browsed holiday gifts.
  • Despite mortal wounds, the victim called her husband to say she’d been attacked.
  • Moore was apprehended in nearby woods and confessed, citing an “internal buildup.”
  • Suspect claims he had no prior interaction with the victim.
  • Moore charged with first-degree premeditated murder; being held without bond.
  • Police request community information; Barnes & Noble declines comment during investigation.

Memorable Quotes

• “He stabbed me!” — Rita Loncharic’s final words, overheard by witnesses. [05:47]
• “I was shocked, to be honest. Like, I’ve never… like, around here especially.” — Erin Johnson, area resident [06:27]
• “He felt a ‘quote, unquote internal buildup’ and a ‘fight or flight’ impulse.” — Jennifer Gould, recapping Moore’s confession [07:17]

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3. Delaware State Trooper Killed at DMV

Starts at 07:49

Key Discussion Points

• Victim: Corporal Grade 1 Matthew T. “Ty” Snook, 34, a 10-year veteran killed while protecting others at the DMV.
• Incident: Shooter entered as a customer, opened fire at the reception; Snook was shot while pushing a colleague out of harm’s way. The gunman was shot by another officer and died.
• Aftermath: Multiple witnesses recall the chaos and panic; Snook’s heroism is universally recognized.
• Community & Family:
  • Outpouring of grief; squad car with flashing lights, flowers, and memorial messages at police headquarters.
  • Snook was a husband, new father, and described as a “true hero.”
  • State flags lowered to half-staff. No motive yet released.

Memorable Quotes

• “He was the kind of man who lived to protect others… but losing my friend is a pain I can’t put into words.“ — Friend of Snook [09:16]
• “Heroes need saving too.” — Printed on shirt left at the memorial [09:11]
• “We heard about three or four more shots and then we heard another two shots and then it was over.” — Vasti Albino Velez, DMV witness [09:05]

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4. Attempted Luring Incident in Kentucky

Starts at 12:25

Key Discussion Points

• Incident: Michigan man Anthony Britton allegedly attempted to lure children outside a home by claiming their parents were injured, all caught on a Ring camera.
• Details:
  • Britton tried to convince children to open the door; he was unsuccessful.
  • Babysitter reported the man without initially realizing the seriousness.
  • Authorities later discovered Britton had left a recovery center and had a history of erratic behavior that same evening.
  • Police praise the children’s vigilance and reiterate the importance of keeping doors locked.

Memorable Quotes

• “Come on. Hey, come open the door. Your mom and dad are out here hurt.” — Anthony Britton (from doorbell recording) [13:09]
• “This case serves as an important reminder for everyone to keep their doors locked at all times.” — Sheriff Jeremy Nettles [14:33]
• “I’m relieved that no one opened the door, that he didn’t attempt to force his way in.” — Sheriff Nettles [14:59]

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5. Key Takeaways & Closing

• The episode highlights the devastating impact of violent crime on victims and communities.
• One through-line: the importance of vigilance, legal process, and community support in the aftermath of trauma—whether through the patience of grieving families, the selfless bravery of first responders, or the everyday wisdom of keeping doors locked.
• Investigations are ongoing; listeners are urged to watch for updates and stay alert for news surrounding these cases.

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Transcript

[Nicole Parton]

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[Nicole Parton]

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[Commercial Announcer]

Crime Alert Hourly Update Breaking Crime News now Crime Alert Hourly Update Breaking Crime News now.

[Nicole Parton]

I'm Nicole Parton. Ashley buzzard appeared in Department 9 of the Santa Barbara County Superior Court in Santa Maria today for her arraignment after her daughter's body was discovered in Utah. Represented by a public defender, Adrienne Galvin, Ashley pleaded not guilty and rejected all additional allegations, which elicited a strong reaction from those in the audience with obvious gasp and crying from the attendees. Galvin also requested a gag order to prevent the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office from disclosing any evidence or materials that are not publicly available. Judge John McGregor approved the motion and scheduled Ashley's trial for January 7th. Melody's paternal grandmother, Lily Dines, expressed her deep distress over the situation, but said she will wait patiently for the legal process to unfold. Dennis is also cautioning the public about donating to any GoFundMe campaign, saying the family has not asked for any financial support. Residents of Ashley's Vanderburg Village neighborhood have voiced their confusion and frustration over the not guilty plea and said they were feeling like Ashley was receiving preferred treatment. However, they are relieved that now the mother is behind bars. A man and a woman discovered melody's body on December 6th while taking pictures in Wayne County, Utah, Santa Barbara County Sheri Bill Brown said at a Tuesday news conference it was clear that she died from gunshot wounds to the head. Brown said an FBI analysis of DNA confirmed the body was Melody's. He said investigators have uncovered a significant amount of evidence that indicates Buzzard killed her daughter. Detectives searched Buzzard's home, a rental car and a rented locker storage and found an expended cartridge case and a live round of similar ammunition, officials said. The murder weapon has not been found. The Sheriff's office previously said that the mother had not been cooperating during the search for Melody, who was last seen on a security video on October 7th. She was wearing a wig at a rental car business where Buzzard picked up a Chevy Malibu. Detectives said they believed Buzzard tried to alter her daughter's appearance with the wig and she also is known to wear wigs herself. The pair took a three day road trip from California to Nebraska with the return trip including the state of Kansas, the sheriff said. Melody was last seen on the return leg of the trip on October 9th near the Utah Colorado border. Officials say she wasn't with Buzzard when she returned home on October 10th.

[Jennifer Gould]

I'm Jennifer Gould. A 65 year old grandmother browsing magazines at a Barnes and Noble was slaughtered in cold blood when a homeless drifter allegedly plunged a knife into her back for no reason other than she was, quote, the closest person to him, end quote.

[Nicole Parton]

This is a murder first premeditated. Apparently an innocent victim was killed this incident.

[Jennifer Gould]

Rita Loncharic was peacefully shopping for Christmas presents at the Legacy avenue Bookstore around 7:53pm When 40 year old Antonio Moore allegedly emerged from a phone charging station to commit an act of pure savagery. In a heart wrenching twist of faith, the mortally wounded woman managed to call her husband on her cell phone to tell him she had been attacked. The scene inside the Palm Beach Garden shop was a picture of holiday horror. Responding officers found Loncharic unresponsive on the floor with the weapons still buried in her body. As shocked shoppers looked on, witnesses heard the woman scream, he stabbed me. End quote. Before Moore bolted from the store. Despite being rushed to surgery at St. Mary's Medical center, the victim died of her wounds at 9:22pm Erin Johnson lives in the area and spoke to News 12. I was shocked, to be honest. Like I've never.

[Commercial Announcer]

I've never heard of that before.

[LG Gram Advertiser]

Like around here especially.

[Jennifer Gould]

The alleged killer is reportedly a homeless drifter with a disturbing history. Moore had also arrived from Georgia by bus just one week prior to the slaying. Records indicate a prior rap sheet in Georgia, including a 2017 arrest for battery and obstruction of law enforcement alongside a 2018 arrest for simple battery. Moore was apprehended in the nearby woods shortly after the bloodbath. The cold blooded suspect allegedly confessed to the killing, telling detectives he felt a quote, unquote internal buildup, end quote and a fight or flight impulse. While charging his phone, he admitted he had no prior interaction with the woman he chose to execute and targeted her simply because of her proximity. Moore was charged with first degree premeditated murder and is being held without bond in the Palm Beach County Jail. Palm Beach Gardens Police Department is asking anyone with information to call them at 561-799-4584. Barnes and Noble said they do not comment on ongoing investigations.

[Drew Nelson]

I'm Drew Nelson. A state trooper in Delaware is killed while working an overtime shift at the DMV after stepping into gunfire to protect others. Corporal Grade 1 Matthew T. Snook, better known as Ty, was 34 years old. A 10 year veteran of the Delaware State Police, Snook was shot and killed on Tuesday. Assigned to the Karen L. Johnson Division of Motor Vehicles on Hessler Boulevard near Wilmington. Police say a 44 year old man entered the DMV as a customer shortly after 2pm Investigators say the man approached Snook at the reception desk and opened fire. Snook was hit. Police say he shoved a DMV employee out of harm's way. As the shooter fired again, a responding officer confronted the gunman and shot him. The suspect died. Witnesses inside the building describe chaos and fear. Vasti Albino Velez returned to the DMV the next day to retrieve her belongings. She told WCAU she was inside with her parents and son when the shooting began.

[Jennifer Gould]

I look to my left and I see everybody running towards us, velez says.

[Drew Nelson]

Her family hit the floor. Her mother had recently undergone surgery.

[Jennifer Gould]

My son and my dad got a hold of my mom, I got a hold of her jacket and we kind of like dragged her out and we limped out of the building.

[Drew Nelson]

Velez describes the moments after escaping through a side door.

[Jennifer Gould]

We leaned up against the brick, tried to stay away from glass, and then we heard more shots. We heard about three or four more shots and then we heard another two shots and then it was over.

[Drew Nelson]

Snook was rushed to a hospital and pronounced dead. Investigators say several people suffered minor injuries not related to gunfire. Another trooper was also treated and released. Outside Troop 6 in Wilmington, mourners gathered throughout the day. Flowers line the entrance. A squad car sits with its lights flashing in Snook's honor. A shirt left of the scene says heroes need saving too. A close friend of Snook shared a statement with wcau. He was the kind of man who lived to protect others. Learning it was him didn't surprise me, but losing my friend is a pain I can't put into words. He was a devoted husband, a new father and a true hero. He will never be forgotten. Snook is survived by his wife and their 1 year old daughter. Delaware's governor ordered state flags lowered to half staff in his honor. Authorities have not released the motive for the shooting.

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[Nicole Parton]

This is where mindset comes in.

[Commercial Announcer]

Someone will be eliminated. Pressure is coming down.

[LG Gram Advertiser]

Trainer Games on Prime Video January 8th. Watch the trailer on trainer games.com did you know? Microsoft has officially ended Support for Windows 10 upgrade to Windows 11 with an LG Gram laptop voted PC Mags Reader's Choice Top laptop brand for 2025. Thin and ultra lightweight, the LG Gram keeps you productive anywhere, and Windows 11 gives you access to free security updates and ongoing feature upgrades. Visit lgusa.com iheart for great seasonal savings on LG Gram laptops with Windows 11. PCMag reader's choice used with permission. All rights reserved.

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[Nicole Parton]

A man from Michigan has been arrested after security footage revealed him trying to persuade children at a residence in North Scott county to open the door, falsely claiming that the children's parents were injured outside. Everything caught on the ring doorbell cam Anthony Britton, 35, from Southfield, Michigan faces charges of making false report and second degree burglary following the incident as stated by Sheriff Jeremy Nettles. The video shows Britton knocking on the door around 6:45pm telling the children that their parents were hurt and outside lying on the ground.

[Jennifer Gould]

Come on. Hey, come open the door. Come open the door.

[Commercial Announcer]

We can't answer the door right now, but if you'd like to leave a message, you can do it now.

[Jennifer Gould]

Your mom and dad are out here hurt.

[Drew Nelson]

They're laying on the ground right here.

[Jennifer Gould]

I promise you.

[Drew Nelson]

I was walking through the neighborhood.

[Jennifer Gould]

I promise you I'm not harming anybody. They are hurt. Hey sir.

[Nicole Parton]

At the time, the children were with a babysitter. No one opened the door. The babysitter reported the man, though she did not fully grasp the extent of his claims initially. According to the sheriff, this evening could have turned out dangerous based on the individual's behavior and his attempts to lure someone outside, or at least to open the door, said the sheriff. Authorities reported that Britton had left a nearby recovery center prior to the incident. That Same night, he called 91 1, claiming that people were chasing him in the woods. Deputies responded and transported him to another location, but did not link the two events together at that time. It wasn't until several days later that the parents viewed this video and shared the footage with law enforcement, prompting them to recognize the situation. This led the sheriff's office to identify Britton as the man captured on the camera, realizing officers had picked him up on that night and given him a ride. It's truly alarming to think that this could have transpired. Wonder what could have happened, the sheriff reported. I'm relieved that no one opened the door, that he didn't attempt to force his way in, said Sheriff Nettles. Deputies indicated that Britain appeared to be under the influence of something during the encounter. The sheriff mentioned that Britton expressed remorse, but said he didn't really know why he did it. We can't ascertain what his intentions were that night or what would have happened if they opened the door, said Sheriff Nettles. He emphasized that this case serves as an important reminder for everyone to keep their doors locked at all times. More crime and justice news after this.

[Commercial Announcer]

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[Nicole Parton]

This is where mindset comes in.

[Commercial Announcer]

Someone will be eliminated. Pressure is coming down.

[LG Gram Advertiser]

Trainer Games on Prime Video January 8th watch the trailer on trainer games.com did you know Microsoft has officially ended Support for Windows 10? Upgrade to Windows 11 with an LG Gram laptop, voted PCMag's reader's choice top laptop brand for 2025. Thin and ultra lightweight, the LG Gram keeps you productive anywhere, and Windows 11 gives you access to free security updates and ongoing feature upgrades. Visit lgusa.com iheart for great seasonal savings on LG Gram laptops with Windows 11. PCMag reader's choice used with permission. All rights reserved.

[Commercial Announcer]

Season two of Unrivaled basketball is here and the talent is unreal. Paige Beckers, Nafiza Collier, Kelsey Plumb, Brianna Stewart and more are back to redefine the game. Unrivaled basketball season two, sponsored by Samsung Galaxy Tips off January 5th on TNT TruTV and HBO. Max, this is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed human.