Why Melodee Buzzard’s Mom Still Isn’t Arrested — The Legal Loopholes Keeping Her Free

In this harrowing Hidden Killers special, Tony Brueski sits down with psychotherapist Shavaun Scott to unpack one of the most haunting modern tragedies — the disappearance of nine-year-old Melodee Buzzard and the slow, visible mental collapse of her mother, Ashlee Buzzard. Every warning was there: relatives cut off, a child missing from school rolls, no homeschool paperwork, a home in disarray. Then came the wigs, a license-plate swap, a multi-state trip — and a mother returning without her daughter. Weeks later, an alleged false-imprisonment incident involving multiple locks and a box cutter confirmed the nightmare. Through a clinical and human lens, Shavaun exposes how “the system worked exactly as designed — and that’s the problem.” Families are handcuffed by “imminent danger” laws that demand proof before help, while crises spiral into tragedy. Tony and Shavaun break down how to recognize delusion, how to act before it’s too late, and how the laws meant to protect privacy are now costing lives. This is a deep, emotional exploration of failure — and what must change before another Melodee disappears. #HiddenKillers #TonyBrueski #ShavaunScott #MelodeeBuzzard #AshleeBuzzard #TrueCrime #ChildSafety #MentalHealthCrisis #BrokenSystem #JusticeForMelodee Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

13 Marras 28min

A quiet court order in San Mateo County has breathed new life into one of California’s most infamous murder cases. Judge Stephen M. Hill has directed prosecutors to respond by November 20 to a new habeas corpus petition filed by the Los Angeles Innocence Project on behalf of Scott Peterson, who has served more than two decades behind bars for the murders of his wife Laci Peterson and their unborn son Conner. The petition lays out 14 separate claims of “actual innocence.” Among them are alleged missed leads, untested forensic evidence, and witness accounts that, according to Peterson’s defense, could complicate the timeline that led to his conviction. Prosecutors maintain the verdict remains sound — built on deception, motive, and a body recovered where Peterson admitted he was fishing. Judge Hill’s order doesn’t mean a retrial is coming. It simply requires the state to respond — a procedural step, but one that matters. If even one of those 14 claims survives this early review, the court could order evidentiary hearings, calling witnesses and retesting evidence that’s been untouched for two decades. If the court finds the petition meritless, the case ends here. The Los Angeles Innocence Project, known for its careful reinvestigation of wrongful-conviction claims, isn’t asserting Peterson’s innocence outright. Instead, it’s arguing that the process deserves a second look — that in a case built largely on circumstantial evidence and intense media scrutiny, certainty is worth verifying. As the November 20 deadline approaches, the spotlight shifts from headlines back to the courtroom. What happens next will decide whether this case stays closed or reopens the door to new evidence, new hearings, and new questions. #HiddenKillers #TonyBrueski #ScottPeterson #LaciPeterson #TrueCrime #LosAngelesInnocenceProject #JusticeSystem #CourtUpdate #LegalNews #CaliforniaCrime Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

13 Marras 21min

In this explosive Hidden Killers feature, Tony Brueski and psychotherapist Shavaun Scott dissect the most dangerous phrase in American child-protection law: “imminent danger.” It’s the loophole that leaves families powerless, law enforcement stalled, and children unprotected until tragedy strikes. The Melodee Buzzard case exposes how a slow-moving legal standard allowed a crisis to become a disappearance — even as every red flag was documented in real time. Shavaun reveals how mental-health systems confuse autonomy with safety, how judges hesitate to intervene without physical harm, and how this outdated framework turns compassion into catastrophe. Tony drives the hard questions: Why didn’t anyone step in when relatives begged for help? Why was a missing school record not enough? Why did it take a felony charge to get attention? Together they offer real, actionable solutions — from mobile crisis co-response units to pattern-based legal triggers — that balance civil rights with child safety. This isn’t just commentary; it’s a call for reform. Because if we keep waiting for proof of danger, we’ll keep finding it too late. #HiddenKillers #TonyBrueski #ShavaunScott #MelodeeBuzzard #AshleeBuzzard #TrueCrime #MentalHealthReform #ChildWelfare #SystemicFailure #JusticeForMelodee Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

13 Marras 52min

This episode features unedited courtroom audio from the Dima Tower double-murder trial in North Port, Florida — the case that’s come to be known as “The Evil Orphan.” Prosecutors say 21-year-old Dima Tower, adopted from Ukraine at age 14 by Jennifer and Robbie Tower, brutally murdered his adoptive parents inside their home before fleeing and leading police on a high-speed chase. The defense claims years of trauma and emotional disturbance shaped what happened that night. In this ongoing Hidden Killers courtroom-coverage series, we present the raw sounds of justice — no commentary, no edits — just the voices of attorneys, witnesses, and the judge as the case unfolds in real time. Each installment captures a different moment of the proceedings: opening statements, witness testimony, cross-examinations, and rulings that will decide whether Tower spends the rest of his life behind bars. For full analysis, breakdowns, and expert commentary from former FBI agents, prosecutors, and psychotherapists, follow our companion podcast Hidden Killers with Tony Brueski. ⚖️ Disclaimer: All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. #HiddenKillers #TonyBrueski #EvilOrphan #DimaTower #TrueCrime #FloridaCrime #NorthPort #CourtroomAudio #DoubleMurder #TrialCoverage #CriminalJustice Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

13 Marras 1h 8min

This episode features unedited courtroom audio from the Dima Tower double-murder trial in North Port, Florida — the case that’s come to be known as “The Evil Orphan.” Prosecutors say 21-year-old Dima Tower, adopted from Ukraine at age 14 by Jennifer and Robbie Tower, brutally murdered his adoptive parents inside their home before fleeing and leading police on a high-speed chase. The defense claims years of trauma and emotional disturbance shaped what happened that night. In this ongoing Hidden Killers courtroom-coverage series, we present the raw sounds of justice — no commentary, no edits — just the voices of attorneys, witnesses, and the judge as the case unfolds in real time. Each installment captures a different moment of the proceedings: opening statements, witness testimony, cross-examinations, and rulings that will decide whether Tower spends the rest of his life behind bars. For full analysis, breakdowns, and expert commentary from former FBI agents, prosecutors, and psychotherapists, follow our companion podcast Hidden Killers with Tony Brueski. ⚖️ Disclaimer: All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. #HiddenKillers #TonyBrueski #EvilOrphan #DimaTower #TrueCrime #FloridaCrime #NorthPort #CourtroomAudio #DoubleMurder #TrialCoverage #CriminalJustice Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

13 Marras 1h 23min

This episode features unedited courtroom audio from the Dima Tower double-murder trial in North Port, Florida — the case that’s come to be known as “The Evil Orphan.” Prosecutors say 21-year-old Dima Tower, adopted from Ukraine at age 14 by Jennifer and Robbie Tower, brutally murdered his adoptive parents inside their home before fleeing and leading police on a high-speed chase. The defense claims years of trauma and emotional disturbance shaped what happened that night. In this ongoing Hidden Killers courtroom-coverage series, we present the raw sounds of justice — no commentary, no edits — just the voices of attorneys, witnesses, and the judge as the case unfolds in real time. Each installment captures a different moment of the proceedings: opening statements, witness testimony, cross-examinations, and rulings that will decide whether Tower spends the rest of his life behind bars. For full analysis, breakdowns, and expert commentary from former FBI agents, prosecutors, and psychotherapists, follow our companion podcast Hidden Killers with Tony Brueski. ⚖️ Disclaimer: All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. #HiddenKillers #TonyBrueski #EvilOrphan #DimaTower #TrueCrime #FloridaCrime #NorthPort #CourtroomAudio #DoubleMurder #TrialCoverage #CriminalJustice Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

13 Marras 1h 22min

This episode features unedited courtroom audio from the Dima Tower double-murder trial in North Port, Florida — the case that’s come to be known as “The Evil Orphan.” Prosecutors say 21-year-old Dima Tower, adopted from Ukraine at age 14 by Jennifer and Robbie Tower, brutally murdered his adoptive parents inside their home before fleeing and leading police on a high-speed chase. The defense claims years of trauma and emotional disturbance shaped what happened that night. In this ongoing Hidden Killers courtroom-coverage series, we present the raw sounds of justice — no commentary, no edits — just the voices of attorneys, witnesses, and the judge as the case unfolds in real time. Each installment captures a different moment of the proceedings: opening statements, witness testimony, cross-examinations, and rulings that will decide whether Tower spends the rest of his life behind bars. For full analysis, breakdowns, and expert commentary from former FBI agents, prosecutors, and psychotherapists, follow our companion podcast Hidden Killers with Tony Brueski. ⚖️ Disclaimer: All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. #HiddenKillers #TonyBrueski #EvilOrphan #DimaTower #TrueCrime #FloridaCrime #NorthPort #CourtroomAudio #DoubleMurder #TrialCoverage #CriminalJustice Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

13 Marras 50min

This episode features unedited courtroom audio from the Dima Tower double-murder trial in North Port, Florida — the case that’s come to be known as “The Evil Orphan.” Prosecutors say 21-year-old Dima Tower, adopted from Ukraine at age 14 by Jennifer and Robbie Tower, brutally murdered his adoptive parents inside their home before fleeing and leading police on a high-speed chase. The defense claims years of trauma and emotional disturbance shaped what happened that night. In this ongoing Hidden Killers courtroom-coverage series, we present the raw sounds of justice — no commentary, no edits — just the voices of attorneys, witnesses, and the judge as the case unfolds in real time. Each installment captures a different moment of the proceedings: opening statements, witness testimony, cross-examinations, and rulings that will decide whether Tower spends the rest of his life behind bars. For full analysis, breakdowns, and expert commentary from former FBI agents, prosecutors, and psychotherapists, follow our companion podcast Hidden Killers with Tony Brueski. ⚖️ Disclaimer: All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. #HiddenKillers #TonyBrueski #EvilOrphan #DimaTower #TrueCrime #FloridaCrime #NorthPort #CourtroomAudio #DoubleMurder #TrialCoverage #CriminalJustice Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

13 Marras 49min