Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
California authorities released new surveillance images on Friday of Melodee Buzzard, a 9-year-old girl who has been missing since early October. According to the FBI, investigators believe she may have traveled with her mother on a road trip that could have reached as far as Nebraska before she disappeared.
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation into Melodee’s disappearance on October 14 after a school administrator reported her prolonged absence. Deputies visited her home in Lompoc, where they encountered her mother, 35-year-old Ashlee Buzzard. However, Melodee was not at the residence, and investigators did not receive a satisfactory explanation regarding her whereabouts.
Surveillance Images Reveal Potential Disguise
On the same day, the sheriff’s office shared surveillance images captured on October 7 that show Melodee at a local car rental agency. In the images, she wears a hooded sweatshirt with the hood drawn up and appears to be sporting a darker, straighter wig, which may have been used to change her appearance. Notably, investigators mention that Ashlee Buzzard is known to wear wigs as well.
Critical Timeline of Disappearance
Detectives are focusing their investigative efforts on a crucial timeframe between October 7 and October 10. Authorities confirmed that Ashlee was seen returning to her home in Lompoc on October 10, driving the same rental car used for the initial departure on October 7. However, Melodee was not inside the vehicle when it returned.
The investigation indicates that this three-day road trip began in Lompoc and possibly traveled to the Nebraska region, with a return route that could have included Kansas. Detectives are currently trying to piece together Melodee’s location during those days and her potential whereabouts now.
Description of the Missing Child
Melodee Buzzard is described by law enforcement as approximately 4 feet, 6 inches tall, weighing around 60 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. The urgency of her case remains a priority for law enforcement, who have labeled her an “at-risk missing person.
Community Appeals for Information
In a public statement, Sheriff Bill Brown emphasized the dedication of law enforcement in pursuing every lead available. He encouraged the community to come forward with any information that could assist in locating Melodee. Brown expressed the department’s determination to bring her home safely.
FBI Involvement and Road Trip Details
The FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office is also engaged in the search for Melodee. According to the agency’s findings, it has been established that Melodee was last seen with her mother on October 7. Investigators suspect that Ashlee might have driven with Melodee in a rental White Chevrolet Malibu (license plate #9MNG101) to various locations outside Santa Barbara County, including potential trips to Nebraska.
The rental vehicle is currently no longer in Ashlee’s possession, raising concerns about Melodee’s safety and well-being.
Mother’s Cooperation Under Scrutiny
Despite the ongoing investigation, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office noted that Ashlee Buzzard has been uncooperative with law enforcement, complicating the search for her daughter. Investigators remain committed to unraveling the circumstances surrounding Melodee’s disappearance and urge the public to assist in their quest for justice.
As the search continues, the community is encouraged to stay vigilant and report any information that may lead to Melodee’s location. With the increased media coverage, authorities hope to generate tips or leads that will help in the resolution of this troubling case.
Continued Efforts and Ongoing Investigation
The investigation remains active, and both local law enforcement and the FBI are taking all necessary steps to locate Melodee Buzzard. Each day that passes without leads into her whereabouts emphasizes the need for community involvement. The authorities are reviewing all possible leads and timelines surrounding this heartbreaking case, hoping for a breakthrough that will lead to Melodee’s safe return.
