A mother, Ashlee Buzzard, is under arrest in connection with the disappearance and death of her 9-year-old daughter Melodee Buzzard, who went missing in October after a road trip together.

Melodee Buzzard's remains were found more than two months after she vanished, with discovery confirmed to have occurred in Utah earlier this month; authorities say she likely died in October.

DNA and forensic results linked Ashlee Buzzard to the crime, leading to her custody and booking into Santa Barbara County Jail on a no-bail status amid no court date yet.

The FBI joined the investigation as the case drew widespread public attention, with CNN and other outlets seeking additional comments from agencies and promising further updates.

Authorities scheduled a 2 p.m. PT news conference to share major developments, with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office coordinating the update.

Federal and local authorities are coordinating on the case, including the FBI’s involvement in the search and the sheriff’s office planning the briefing.

CNN has provided coverage that includes police statements about the events leading to the discovery of the remains and related program segments.

Investigators have not publicly established a motive and believe Buzzard acted alone; the murder weapon has not yet been recovered.

Authorities indicated Melodee likely died in October, and the investigation will continue with major updates announced by the sheriff’s office.

Aiding investigators, Lompoc Unified School District helped narrow the timeline of Melodee’s last known sighting, credited by a deputy lieutenant.

Media reports detail the timeline and circumstances surrounding the mother’s arrest as part of the ongoing investigation.

Family members described Ashlee Buzzard as extremely mentally unstable, with reports she had been uncooperative with investigators.