Mother pleads not guilty to murder of 9-year-old daughter
Ashlee Buzzard pleads not guilty to the murder of her 9-year-old daughter Melodee, in a case that has shocked the nation.
UPDATE 12:45 p.m. EST: Ashlee Buzzard, 32, entered a not-guilty plea in the death of her 9-year-old daughter, Melodee, whose body was found in a remote area of the state. The case has sparked national outrage and reignited the debate on child protection laws.
Key points from the courtroom
- Prosecutors allege Buzzard left her daughter in a remote area without food or water.
- Defense claims Buzzard was "overwhelmed" and "did not intend to harm" the child.
- Judge set bond at $1 million; trial date not yet scheduled.
"I would never hurt my baby," Buzzard told the court, wiping away tears. "I just wanted her to have a better life than I could give her."
Authorities say the case highlights gaps in the system that are supposed to protect children from neglect and abuse. The state’s child protection services have launched an internal review to determine if any red flags were missed.
Public reaction has been swift and furious, with many calling for stricter penalties for parents who abandon their children. The story has also reignited the debate over whether the U.S. should adopt a national child protection database.
We will continue to follow this story as it develops. Stay tuned for updates.