California Girl Missing: Rental Car License Plates Swapped to Evade Authorities

The case of a missing nine-year-old girl from California has taken a disturbing turn. The vehicle she was last seen in with her mother reportedly had its license plates changed during a road trip to elude law enforcement, according to police statements.

As of Tuesday, the location of Melodee Buzzard, from Lompoc, California, remains unknown. Surveillance footage indicates she was last spotted on October 9, 2025, while traveling along a return route near the Colorado–Utah border. The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office has noted that her mother, 35-year-old Ashlee Buzzard, has been uncooperative regarding information about Melodee’s wellbeing.

Evidence of Two License Plates

Authorities’ investigation revealed significant details about the rental vehicle involved. Ashlee reportedly left California with Melodee in a white 2024 Chevrolet Malibu. Initially, the vehicle bore California license plate 9MNG101 when they started their journey on October 7, 2025. However, detectives say the pair may have traveled as far as Nebraska, making a return trip that included Kansas.

Detectives noted a change in license plates starting on October 8, 2025. The Malibu was observed carrying a New York license plate marked HCG9677. It remains uncertain when this plate was installed or if additional plates were employed during the trip. Notably, the New York plate does not belong to either the vehicle or to Ashlee, suggesting it was used intentionally to confuse law enforcement.

The sheriff’s office confirmed that when the vehicle returned to the rental agency in Lompoc, it bore the original California plate once again.

Possible Route of Travel

According to law enforcement, the rental vehicle is believed to have traversed a route taking them through Green River and Panguitch in Utah, as well as northwest Arizona, Primm in Nevada, before returning to California around October 9.

Detectives have reached out to the public, asking anyone who may have encountered Ashlee or Melodee between October 9 and October 10, 2025, to come forward. They are also seeking any video footage from their travel route, which could provide additional insights into the case.

Continued Search Efforts

The situation has drawn significant attention, with local authorities and the FBI actively involved in the ongoing search for Melodee. Recently, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office shared new surveillance images of both Ashlee and Melodee taken at a rental car location in Lompoc on the day their road trip commenced.

Observations from the images indicate that both mother and daughter appeared to be wearing wigs, with Melodee’s hair looking noticeably darker and straighter than her natural locks.

Background of Disappearance

The investigation into Melodee Buzzard’s disappearance was initiated on October 14, after a concerned school administrator reported her prolonged absence. Deputies responded to Ashlee’s residence in Lompoc but found no trace of Melodee. Furthermore, Ashlee was unable to provide credible explanations regarding her daughter’s whereabouts.

Physical Description of Melodee

Melodee Buzzard has been described by police as approximately 4 feet 6 inches tall, weighing around 60 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. The troubling nature of her disappearance has heightened concerns in the community.

Acting Together for a Resolution

The investigation remains ongoing, with officials urging anyone with information that could assist them in locating Melodee to step forward. Authorities are working diligently, but time is of the essence as the search continues.

The community’s involvement can be crucial in cases like this, where the collaboration between law enforcement and citizens often leads to significant breakthroughs. Everyone is encouraged to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity related to the Buzzard family’s case.