In a startling development in the ongoing search for missing California girl Melodee Buzzard, authorities have revealed that her mother allegedly swapped a rental car’s license plates to evade detection. The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office disclosed this information in a statement released on Monday, shedding new light on the mysterious disappearance.

Ashlee Buzzard, Melodee’s mother, reportedly rented a vehicle in Lompoc and embarked on a cross-country journey starting October 7. Their route may have included stops in Kansas and Nebraska, according to the latest investigations.

Security cameras captured both Ashlee and her nine-year-old daughter, Melodee, at the car rental facility on the day of their departure. Notably, both were seen wearing wigs, which investigators suspect were intended to disguise their identities. Ashlee is known for frequently wearing wigs, a detail that deepens the intrigue surrounding their disappearance.

The vehicle in question, a white 2024 Chevrolet Malibu, originally bore the California license plate 9MNG101. However, by October 8, Ashlee had allegedly replaced it with a New York plate, HCG9677. This swap is thought to be part of her attempt to travel undetected.

The sheriff’s office has noted that the New York plate does not belong to the Malibu or to Ashlee Buzzard. They remain uncertain about when exactly the plate was changed or if any other plates were used throughout their journey. This revelation adds a complex layer to the investigation as authorities continue to track the movements of the missing mother and daughter.

“It is unknown when the plate was installed or whether additional plates were used at other times during travel. The New York plate seen on the car does not belong to the vehicle or to Ashlee,” the sheriff’s office said.

On October 9, security footage showed Melodee in the vehicle, “in the region between the Colorado–Utah border.”

The sheriff’s office shared a map of the locations they believe Ashlee Buzzard traveled to before returning home.

“Detectives are seeking anyone who may have had contact with Ashlee or Melodee at any point from October 9-10, 2025, or any video footage from their route of travel,” the sheriff’s office said.

When Buzzard returned the car, it had the California license plate back on.

Ashlee Buzzard arrived back at her Vandenberg Village home, in the 500 block of Mars Avenue on October 10. Melodee was not with her, as CrimeOnline previously reported.

Monday’s statement indicated that Buzzard has remained uncooperative in the investigation.

The sheriff’s office, along with the FBI, previously carried out search warrants at Buzzard’s home, but Melodee remains unaccounted for.

READ MORE: Melodee Buzzard Timeline: Search for Missing 9-Year-Old California Girl Continues

Melodee is described as standing 4 feet, 6 inches tall, weighing 60 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information regarding Melodee’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.

Anonymous tipsters can also share information online to the sheriff’s office.

Read additional coverage on Melodee Buzzard

[Feature Photo: Santa Barbara County police]