Crime
Ashlee Buzzard Arrested on Unrelated Charges as Search Continues for Her Missing 9-Year-Old Daughter Melodee Buzzard
Authorities in Santa Barbara County confirmed that Ashlee Buzzard, the mother of missing 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard, was taken into custody on Friday amid the ongoing investigation into her daughter’s disappearance.
Witnesses observed Buzzard being handcuffed and escorted by Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office personnel from her Vandenberg Village residence into a waiting patrol vehicle.
According to officials, Buzzard’s arrest stems from an unrelated felony charge of false imprisonment.
Investigators allege that she had unlawfully restrained another individual, preventing them from leaving a location against their will.
The Sheriff’s Office has not released further details regarding that separate incident, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.
While Buzzard remains in custody, law enforcement emphasized that their primary focus continues to be the search for Melodee, who has been missing since mid-October.
Detectives began investigating Melodee’s disappearance on October 14, after the Lompoc Unified School District reported her prolonged absence from classes.
Authorities have since narrowed the timeline of interest to October 9–10, when Ashlee and Melodee were reportedly traveling together on a multi-state road trip to Nebraska.
Surveillance footage from October 9 shows Melodee near the Colorado–Utah border. However, when Ashlee returned home to California the following day, Melodee was no longer with her.
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office continues to treat the case as an active missing person investigation and urges anyone with information regarding Melodee’s whereabouts to come forward.
📞 Detectives Line: (805) 681-4150
📞 Anonymous Tip Line: (805) 681-4171
Authorities stress that any piece of information, no matter how small, could be crucial in helping bring Melodee home safely.
Crime
17-Year-Old Javohn Pitts Critically Injured in Accidental Shooting During FaceTime Call in Elsmere, Kentucky
A 17-year-old teenager, identified as Javohn Pitts, remains in critical condition after being shot in the head during an incident involving a handgun at a residence in Elsmere, Kentucky, on Saturday. Police say the shooting appears to have occurred while two juveniles were showing the firearm to others during a FaceTime call.
The incident prompted an emergency response in Northern Kentucky and left the teenager with potentially life-threatening injuries. He was transported by helicopter to a Cincinnati hospital, where he continues to receive medical treatment.
According to the Elsmere Police Department, officers were dispatched to a reported shooting in the 100 block of Garvey Avenue early Saturday afternoon.
When first responders arrived, they found Javohn Pitts suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. Due to the seriousness of his injuries, emergency personnel arranged for him to be airlifted to University of Cincinnati Medical Center.
Pitts remains hospitalized in critical condition, according to the information provided by police. Authorities have not released further details about his medical condition or prognosis.
During their investigation, police recovered a 9mm handgun from the residence.
Investigators believe the shooting happened while Pitts and another juvenile, who was acquainted with him, were displaying the handgun to other people during a FaceTime call. At some point during the incident, the firearm discharged, striking Pitts in the head.
Although the incident is being described as an apparent accidental shooting, authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the discharge and the events leading up to it.
A juvenile suspect was subsequently arrested in connection with the incident. Police reported that the suspect was acquainted with Pitts and has been charged with second-degree assault with a deadly weapon.
Because the individual is a juvenile, authorities have not publicly released the suspect’s identity.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional information about the incident may be released as authorities continue reviewing the evidence.
Police are asking anyone who may have information about the shooting to contact the Kenton County Emergency Communication Center at 859-356-3191 or the Elsmere Police Department at 859-474-4785.
Information from witnesses or anyone familiar with the circumstances may help investigators establish a clearer account of what happened inside the Garvey Avenue residence.
At just 17 years old, Javohn Pitts is facing a serious medical battle following the shooting. His critical condition has left those who care about him hoping for positive news as he receives treatment.
The incident is also a sobering reminder of the dangers associated with handling firearms, particularly when a weapon is displayed or handled without proper safety precautions. A firearm can discharge unexpectedly, with consequences that may permanently change lives.
As the investigation continues, thoughts remain with Javohn Pitts, his family, and everyone hoping for his recovery. May he receive the care and support he needs during this difficult time.