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

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.

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.