Authorities in Fresno County confirmed Monday that the remains of a 9-year-old girl who had been missing since October were discovered in a remote area of the county, bringing a tragic conclusion to a weeks-long investigation. The child’s mother has been taken into custody as the case enters a new phase.
The girl, identified as Melodee Buzzard, was reported missing in October after her mother, Ashlee Buzzard, contacted law enforcement. At the time, investigators were told the child had run away from a vehicle near Dunlap Road and Highway 180, an area east of Fresno surrounded by rugged terrain.
On December 6, sheriff’s deputies located the child’s body in a rural, mountainous region of Fresno County. Officials declined to provide specific details about the location, citing the sensitivity of the investigation and the need to preserve evidence.
Shortly after the discovery, Ashlee Buzzard was detained by authorities and later booked into the Fresno County Jail. As of Tuesday, prosecutors had not announced any formal charges. The Fresno County District Attorney’s Office stated that the case remains under active review as investigators await additional findings.
Law enforcement officials confirmed that an autopsy has been scheduled to determine the cause and manner of death. No further details have been released pending the results of that examination.
The search for Melodee involved extensive efforts by the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, including ground search teams, aerial drone operations, and coordinated assistance from multiple agencies. Officials described the search area as challenging due to steep terrain and limited accessibility.
Sheriff’s officials emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and urged the public to avoid speculation while detectives continue to gather evidence. Additional updates are expected once forensic and investigative reviews are completed.
The case has drawn significant attention across the region, with community members expressing grief and calling for accountability as authorities work to determine exactly what happened in the days leading up to the child’s disappearance.
