The Santa Barbara Sheriff's Office in California confirmed Tuesday that a missing girl who was last seen near the Utah-Colorado border was found dead in a remote area of Utah.
Melodee Buzzard was found near Caineville, in Wayne County. Melodee's mother Ashley was arrested Tuesday morning, facing charges of murder.
Sheriff Bill Brown said there is significant evidence indicating that Ashley killed her 9-year-old daughter.
Brown said people out hiking and taking photos in the area found human remains on Dec. 6. The Wayne County Sheriff's Office responded, and a collaboration of multiple agencies eventually identified the remains as Melodee.
Officials said it appeared Melodee was killed by gunshot wounds to the head. Cartridge casings at the scene were reportedly a match to one that was found at the Buzzard family's home in Lompoc, California.
Police also said it appeared Ashley acted alone.
Crime
