On Thursday, the mother of missing California girl Melodee Buzzard was escorted out of her home in Vandenberg Village as law enforcement officers executed further search warrants in the ongoing investigation.
According to an afternoon press release from the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, detectives, in collaboration with the FBI, searched Ashlee Buzzard’s residence, located on the 500 block of Mars Avenue. The investigation extended to include a storage unit and a rental car that she had previously used.
Ashlee Buzzard was removed from her home to ensure that investigators could carry out their search without interruptions, as access to the home is anticipated to be necessary for an extended period.
She was temporarily relocated to an undisclosed location to prevent any potential interference with the investigation.
Sheriff’s Lieutenant Chris Gotschall of the Criminal Investigation Division expressed gratitude for the FBI’s involvement, stating, “We appreciate the FBI’s assistance in today’s searches.”
He further emphasized the importance of their partnership, noting, “In cases like this, every detail matters, and it is invaluable to have additional resources and specialized expertise. Collaboration with our federal partners allows us to ensure we’re using every available tool to help bring resolution to this case.”
Police previously said that Buzzard has not been cooperative in the search for her 9-year-old daughter, who hasn’t been seen since October 7.
According to the sheriff’s office, security footage captured Melodee at a “local car rental business” on that same day.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, the sheriff’s office described the car as a white Chevrolet Malibu with the license plate number 9MNG101.
Security footage showed Melodee wearing what appears to be a wig “that is darker and straighter than her natural hair.” the FBI Los Angeles said.
Investigators said they believe that the wig was used to alter Melodee’s appearance. They also noted that Ashlee Buzzard is known to wear wigs.
The pair took a three-day road trip, with stops in Nebraska and Kansas, the FBI said.
READ MORE: Melodee Buzzard Timeline: Search for Missing 9-Year-Old California Girl Continues
Meanwhile, relatives told NewsNation that Ashlee Buzzard was seen ripping down missing posters of her daughter that were placed around her home.
Melodee’s paternal aunt, Lizabeth Meza, reportedly said she viewed an “extremely hard to watch” video that showed Ashlee Buzzard removing signs and posters that family members created.
“I know my niece went out there, my mother-in-law and family members, and put signs up there, not only for the community see it, but for Ashlee to remember, you know, that you have this beautiful daughter, and we want her back,” Meza said.
Melodee is described as standing 4 feet, 6 inches tall, weighing 60 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.
Anyone with information regarding Buzzard’s whereabouts is asked to call Santa Barbara County investigators at 805-681-4150. Anonymous calls can be made to the tip line at 805-681-4171. Contact the FBI at 800-225-5324.
Read additional coverage on Melodee Buzzard
[Feature Photo: Santa Barbara County police]
