Mom of Missing 9-Year-Old California Girl, Last Seen Months Ago, Uncooperative with Search

The search for 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard has become a pressing concern for Santa Barbara County authorities. The only available photograph of Melodee is over two years old, as she is reportedly homeschooled in Vandenberg Village, just north of Lompoc, California.

Recently, Santa Barbara Sheriff’s deputies attempted to conduct a welfare check at the home of Ashlee Buzzard, Melodee’s mother, but initially found no one present. Upon returning the following day, officers managed to speak with Ashlee. However, Melodee was not at home, and Ashlee was unable to provide a clear explanation regarding her daughter’s whereabouts, according to the Sheriff’s office.

Melodee’s life has been marked by tragedy since infancy; her father tragically died in a car accident when she was only six months old. Described as a sweet and loving child, Melodee is known for her radiant smile and her fondness for spending time with her cousins.

Ashlee Buzzard has been raising Melodee alone and has gradually distanced herself from the family. It has been years since Melodee’s paternal relatives last saw her.

Authorities urge anyone with information on Melodee’s whereabouts to contact the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office at 805-681-4150.

Today, Nancy Grace will be joining the discussion as the search for Melodee continues.

Dr. Bethany Marshall –  Psychoanalyst, Author: “Deal Breaker,” and featured in hit show “Paris in Love” on Peacock; Instagram & TikTok: drbethanymarshall, X: @DrBethanyLive
Rhonda Dequier - Founder, Missing In Action Network, an advocacy program for the families of missing persons
Rhonda Dequier – Founder, Missing In Action Network, an advocacy program for the families of missing persons
Alexis Tereszcuk – CrimeOnline Investigative Reporter; X: @swimmie2009

Additional Guests

  • Lizabeth Meza – Aunt of Melodee Buzzard
  • Lauren Johnson-Norris – Defense Attorney specializing in juvenile, and CPS cases in Orange County, California), Founder of Johnson Criminal Law Group
  • Bill Garcia – Owner of Bill Garcia Investigative Services, Facebook: Bill Garcia Investigative Services, Instagram @BGISInternational
  • Sydney Sumner – Investigative Reporter, ‘Crime Stories’
  • Raquel Zick – PIO for the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office in California

“Crime Stories with Nancy Grace” on Fox Nation is also a national radio show on SiriusXM channel 111, airing for two hours daily starting at 12 p.m. EST. You can also subscribe and download the daily podcasts at iHeart Podcasts.

[Feature Photo via Santa Barbara County SO]

You May Also Like

Wife Accused of Hastening Sick Husband’s Death as He Was ‘Dying Slowly,’ Daughter Says

Inset: Shelly Peca (Keizer Police Department). Background: The Oregon home where Shelly…

Tenant Facing Eviction Hid Landlord’s Body in Trash Tote

Inset: Rudy Minton (Columbus Police Department). Background: The area near where Minton…

Trenton Man Arrested After Allegedly Threatening Family Member With Knife in Gainesville Parking Lot

Staff report GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Marc Charles Cole, 52, of Trenton, was…

Convicted Felon on Pretrial Release Arrested in Gun Theft From Vehicle on Rural Property

Staff report ALACHUA, Fla. – A St. Cloud man was arrested after…

Dad Who Left Loaded Gun Under Mattress Before 10-Year-Old Fatally Shot Baby Avoids Murder Charge, But May Still Face Charges

Insets, from left: Kiyomi Parker (GoFundMe) and Ca’Marion Pawnell (St. Louis Justice…

Former School Bus Driver Whose Crash Killed 6 Children Accused of Strangling Ex-Girlfriend, Tripping 4-Year-Old Who Ran for Help

Background: Davidson County Downtown Detention Center in Nashville, Tennessee (Google Maps). Inset:…

Parent Who Punched Girl Over Bathroom Wait Gets Probation

Inset: Latoya Gaines (Bay County Sheriff’s Office). Background: The exterior area near…