Ashlee Buzzard, a mother from California facing charges for the alleged murder of her 9-year-old daughter, Melodee Buzzard, made a brief court appearance on Thursday at the Santa Barbara County Superior Court.

In a significant move reported by Cal Coast News, Judge Stephen Dunkle issued a permanent gag order on the case. This order restricts law enforcement and prosecution from publicly sharing any additional details. However, Judge Dunkle did rule in favor of the defense’s request to unseal all affidavits and search warrants, both those already filed and any that may be filed in the future.

The prosecution has chosen not to take a stance on these requests.

According to CrimeOnline, Melodee’s body was discovered on December 6 by a couple taking photographs near East State Route 24 in Wayne County, Utah. The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office subsequently contacted the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office regarding the grim find.

Authorities believe Melodee had been deceased for several months, suggesting she was likely killed on October 9. During a press briefing in December, Santa Barbara Sheriff Bill Brown revealed that Melodee had suffered gunshot wounds to the head.

Santa Barbara Sheriff Bill Brown said during a December press conference that Melodee had “gunshot wounds to the head.”

Investigators found an expended cartridge case inside Buzzard’s home during an October 30 search. They also found  “a live round of similar ammunition” inside a vehicle she had rented.

Police arrested the defendant at her Vandenberg Village home on December 23.

She’s faces charges that include:

• First-degree murder
• Discharge of a firearm causing death
• Special circumstance of murder by lying in wait

Ashlee Buzzard, who remains behind bars without bail, has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Check back for updates.

Read additional coverage on Melodee Buzzard

[Feature Photo via Santa Barbara County police]