Ashlee Buzzard, a mother from California, stood before a judge in Santa Barbara County on Friday to address charges related to the tragic death of her 9-year-old daughter.

In a morning session at the Santa Barbara County Superior Court, Buzzard pleaded not guilty to the charge of first-degree murder concerning the death of her daughter, Melodee Buzzard. Judge John F. McGregor decided she would remain in custody without the option of bail.

According to The New York Post, the courtroom was filled with audible reactions of gasps and sobs as Buzzard’s public defender entered her plea.

The prosecution has declared its intention not to pursue the death penalty but instead to seek a life sentence without parole, as reported by CNN.

Previously reported by CrimeOnline, Melodee’s remains were discovered on December 6 by a couple taking photos near a dirt road in Wayne County, Utah, close to East State Route 24. This discovery prompted the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office to alert authorities in Santa Barbara County.

Investigators were waiting on DNA results to confirm the child’s identity, due to decomposition. Authorities said it appeared as if Melodee had been deceased for months.

Santa Barbara Sheriff Bill Brown said during a Tuesday press conference that the 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.

Authorities took Ashlee Buzzard into custody Tuesday morning, at her Vandenberg Village home.

Brown called the killing “cold-blooded” with “criminally sophisticated premeditation and heartlessness.”

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office said Buzzard rented a car in Lompoc, and embarked on a cross-country trip on October 7.

Security footage placed both Ashlee Buzzard and Melodee at the car rental business while wearing wigs that same day.

According to the sheriff’s office, Melodee was last seen on October 9, between the Colorado–Utah border, on a return route.

“Somewhere along that route is where we know Ashlee was no longer with Melodee,” Raquel Zick, Public Information Officer with SBCSO, said.

Investigators said they now believe that Melodee died shortly after the October 9 stop. So far, the motive is unknown and authorities do not have the murder weapon.

Melodee had been reported missing on October 14 after Lompoc Unified School District employees said she failed to pick assignments for an independent study program. Her mother remained uncooperative when questioned and offered no valid explanation for her daughter’s disappearance.

Ashlee Buzzard is believed to have acted alone.

Meanwhile, Melodee’s paternal grandmother, Lily Dennes, told reporters Friday that she is enraged at the not guilty plea, while describing Melodee as a “lovable” child.

During Friday’s hearing, McGregor issued a temporary gag order on the case, to prevent the sheriff’s office from discussing additional details.

Buzzard’s next hearing has been set for January 7. Check back for updates.

Read additional coverage on Melodee Buzzard

[Feature Photo: Santa Barbara County police]