California Girl's Mysterious Disappearance: Mother Returns from Out-of-State Trip Without Daughter, Sparks Investigation

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The disappearance of 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard has captured the attention of authorities and the public alike, as new developments in her case have emerged. Initially reported missing earlier this month, concerns were raised when her school realized they had not received any updates on her whereabouts for over a year.

In a recent update, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office disclosed that the girl’s mother, Ashlee Buzzard, undertook an out-of-state journey with Melodee just days before the official investigation began. However, Ashlee returned alone to their home in Vandenberg Village, located in northern Santa Barbara County, leaving many questions about her daughter’s current location.

Authorities are facing challenges with Ashlee’s cooperation, as she has been unable to provide a conclusive explanation regarding Melodee’s safety or whereabouts. Despite these difficulties, investigators have managed to verify a sighting of Melodee as recent as August, and evidence suggests she was last seen with her mother on October 7, merely a week prior to the launch of the investigation.

The Sheriff’s Office has revealed that Ashlee Buzzard rented a vehicle for a road trip that may have extended as far as Nebraska. Nevertheless, the return journey saw her arriving home without Melodee, intensifying the urgency and mystery surrounding the case.

The Sheriff’s Office says Ashlee Buzzard rented a car and took her daughter on a road trip, potentially going as far east as Nebraska. But days later, only Ashlee returned to their home in Vandenberg Village in northern Santa Barbara County.

The rental vehicle they were traveling in, which has since been returned, was identified as a white Chevrolet Malibu with the license plate number 9MNG101.

The investigation into her disappearance was formally launched on Oct. 14, and detectives served a search warrant at their home and surrounding areas the following day. The FBI was also looped into the investigation last week, officials said.

Throughout the search and quest for answers, detectives say Ashlee Buzzard has not cooperated with the investigation as her daughter remains an “at-risk” missing person.

Melodee is described as being around 4 feet 6 inches and weighing around 60 pounds. She has brown hair and brown eyes.

Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown said his department shares in the concern of the local community, who is anxious to find the missing elementary school student and bring her home. He thanked local media for helping to spread her photo and story, which has already led to the confirmation of the previous sighting in August.

That photo, the most recent known image of her, was taken around two years ago, and Melodee’s appearance may have changed in the years since, officials said.

“We are hopeful that Melodee might be with someone – perhaps an extended family member or friend – who may not be aware of the circumstances of her disappearance,” Brown said in a news release Wednesday.

Brown also urged the public not to attempt to conduct their own “searches or investigations,” as that could only complicate and disrupt ongoing efforts by law enforcement.

“The most effective way to help is by sharing factual information directly with detectives,” the Sheriff’s Office said.

Anyone who has seen Melodee Buzzard, or has had contact with her mother since Oct. 7, is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Criminal Investigations Division at 805-681-4150. Anonymous tips can be provided online or by calling 805-681-4171.