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The mother of a missing 9-year-old from California, identified as Ashlee Buzzard, made a brief court appearance this Wednesday. She faces a serious felony charge of false imprisonment, a matter unrelated to the ongoing investigation into her daughter Melodee Buzzard’s disappearance.
Ashlee Buzzard, aged 35, was charged after a disturbing incident at her home in Lompoc on November 6. This occurred weeks following the last known sighting of Melodee, who has been labeled “at risk” by authorities.
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office reiterated that the charges against Buzzard are separate from the ongoing efforts to locate her daughter.
Investigation of Melodee’s Disappearance
The search for Melodee began on October 14 when a school official noted her unusual absence. Upon questioning, deputies reported that Ashlee failed to provide a credible explanation for her daughter’s whereabouts. Instead, she demonstrated a lack of cooperation, not confirming Melodee’s safety.
Information suggests that Buzzard may have left the state with Melodee shortly after her last sighting. Eyewitnesses reported Ashlee and her daughter traveling in a rental vehicle, which was later returned with different license plates.
Allegations Related to a Standoff
Tyler Brewer, a court officer, has had a long-standing acquaintance with Ashlee. He recently shared alarming details about a visit to her home, where she allegedly displayed signs of distress. After revealing information he found troubling, she reportedly locked the doors and retrieved a box cutter, preventing him from leaving. Although she later released him, Brewer felt compelled to immediately contact law enforcement.
Brewer characterized Ashlee’s mental state as deteriorating. He expressed concerns for Melodee, suggesting that the girl might currently be in Utah, though he cautioned that the information he received may not be reliable.
Recent Court Proceedings
In Lompoc Superior Court, the procedural hearing where Buzzard was present lasted less than a minute. Dressed in a long-knit cardigan and sporting a different hairstyle from her previous arraignment, she exhibited notable changes including avoiding eye contact.
Legal representatives have confirmed that a preliminary hearing is set for Thursday. Both defense and prosecution will present their evidence, after which a judge will determine whether the case will move forward to trial.
The Path to Finding Melodee
Ashlee Buzzard was arrested on November 7 in association with the bizarre incident involving Brewer. Following her arrest, she was released under strict conditions, including the requirement to wear an ankle monitor. Additionally, she is prohibited from contacting Brewer during this time.
Lori Miranda, Ashlee’s mother, revealed that she has not spoken to her daughter since 2023. Their family background carries a history of instability and domestic violence, complicating Ashlee’s journey as a parent.
Investigation Progress
Since Melodee was last seen, authorities have diligently tracked Ashlee’s movements. Investigators noted that she and her daughter left California on October 7, traveling across several states before returning the rental vehicle. Surveillance footage recently released depicts Ashlee and Melodee wearing disguises, suggesting they were attempting to evade recognition.
Melodee is described as being between 4 feet and 4 feet 6 inches tall, weighing between 60 to 100 pounds, with curly brown hair and brown eyes. The community remains on alert as officials continue their search.
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office is calling on anyone with information regarding Melodee’s location to come forward. They encourage the public to reach out to them directly.
As the case progresses, both the search for Melodee and the legal proceedings against her mother will be closely monitored. The intertwining of these events raises concerns about the well-being of a vulnerable child.
Fox News Digital’s Adam Sabes contributed to this report.
