Judge Keeps Gag Order in Buzzard Case With Jan. 21 Hearing Set as Preliminary Hearing Timing Remains Unclear
The judge kept limits on sheriff commentary, with a Jan. 21 hearing now set on a proposed permanent gag order.
Overview
- Ashlee Buzzard, 40, remains jailed without bail after pleading not guilty to first-degree murder in the October shooting death of her 9-year-old daughter, Melodee.
- Judge Stephen Dunkle maintained an existing gag order restricting comments by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office.
- Defense motions seeking a permanent gag order and details tied to warrants are scheduled to be heard on Jan. 21.
- Reporting differs on the preliminary hearing: KEYT says it is set for Jan. 21, while KSBY reports it will not occur before April after Buzzard waived her 60-day right.
- Authorities say the case stems from a multi-state trip and that Melodee’s remains were found in rural Utah in early December after school officials flagged her absence.