Viewers recently got an update over an ongoing tragedy during an episode of ABC World News Tonight. The story was also shared by the newscast’s social media feed. Since then, viewers have been sharing their reactions to the story.
David Muir Was Absent During A Recent ABC World News Tonight Broadcast
ABC World News Tonight has existed in some form since 1958. It currently serves as one of the most-watched network newscasts in the United States.
Since 2014, the program’s weekday programming has been anchored by David Muir. Recently, however, a substitute filled in for Muir to deliver some tragic news.
During the December 26 episode, Linsey Davis, who was covering for Muir, shared a tragic update regarding Melodee Buzzard. The nine-year-old was reported missing in October.
Tragically, the child’s remains were found in December. According to an autopsy report, she died from multiple gunshot wounds to the head.
During the newscast, Davis shared, “New details tonight in the tragic case of Melodee Buzzard. Her mother is now charged with murder, pleading not guilty in court today, and ordered held without bail.”
The story was then passed on to Andrew Dymburt, who shared an in-depth report on the story. He shared that the mother, identified as Ashlee Buzzard, appeared in court on Friday for the murder of her daughter. Prosecutors allege that she “intentionally killed” the child with a nine-millimeter handgun.
The Santa Barbara County District Attorney also announced that they would seek life in prison without parole and not the death penalty. Currently, Ashlee, who has pleaded not guilty to murder charges, is being held without bail and is due back in court on January 7.
Viewers Have Also Shared Their Reactions To The Tragedy On Social Media
Melodee was missing for around two months before her remains were found in a rural area outside of Caineville, Utah. This was thousands of miles from her California home.
Dymburt shared, “The mother and daughter [left] their home in Lompoc, California, on October 7 for a three-day road trip to Nebraska. According to authorities, Ashlee rented a white 2024 Chevy Malibu and travelled more than 3,000 miles for the road trip.” A search for the missing girl came to be after a school administrator contacted authorities.
Since the updates, World News Tonight viewers have been sharing their reactions on social media. Many shared their condolences in honor of Melodee over the tragedy. Some comments included:
- “Such a very sad story. What kind of mother of all people would do such a heinous crime!”
- “Unbelievable. Why would you do that your own baby? I’m so sick of these poor, evil situations. Sad thing it’ll never end cause this is definitely HELL ON EARTH!!!!!!! Poor baby, why I hate humans.”
- “I hate that tax dollars are being wasted on bringing her to trial…”
- “Horrified story…. Murdered by the one that should love you the most… I can’t even process this….”
Did you see this recent ABC World News Tonight newscast? What is your reaction to this story? Make sure you come back to TV Shows Ace for all the latest TV and celebrity news.
John Witiw has been a writer since at least 2015. He’s covered a variety of topics, especially when it comes to film and television.