Lompoc, California, November 1, 2025
The FBI and local authorities have conducted a search at the residence of Ashlee Buzzard, mother of missing 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard. This investigation follows Melodee’s disappearance, raising concerns over Ashlee’s cooperation. The community remains engaged, urging anyone with information about Melodee’s whereabouts to come forward. The case continues to be treated as an active missing person investigation, with the FBI’s involvement intensifying efforts to locate the child.
FBI Searches Home of Melodee Buzzard’s Mother in Disappearance Case
LOMPOC, CALIFORNIA – The FBI and local authorities have conducted an extensive search at the residence of Ashlee Buzzard, mother of missing 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard, in connection with the ongoing investigation into the child’s disappearance. The search, which took place on October 30, 2025, also included a storage locker and the rental car in which Melodee was last seen.
Authorities have expressed concern over Ashlee Buzzard’s lack of cooperation with the investigation. She has not provided any information regarding her daughter’s whereabouts, leading to heightened apprehension about Melodee’s safety. The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office has stated that the case remains an active missing person investigation, with no arrests made to date.
Timeline of Events
The timeline of events leading up to Melodee’s disappearance is critical to understanding the situation:
- October 7, 2025: Surveillance footage captures Melodee and her mother at a local car rental agency. Melodee appears to be wearing a wig, possibly to alter her appearance.
- October 7-10, 2025: Ashlee Buzzard rents a white Chevrolet Malibu and drives with Melodee on a road trip from Lompoc, California, to Nebraska, with a stop in Kansas on the return journey. Upon returning to Lompoc on October 10, Ashlee is alone; Melodee is not with her.
- October 14, 2025: A school administrator reports Melodee’s prolonged absence from her independent studies program, prompting authorities to initiate a missing person investigation.
- October 15, 2025: Detectives serve a search warrant at Ashlee Buzzard’s residence but do not locate Melodee. Ashlee remains uncooperative with investigators.
- October 18, 2025: The FBI joins the investigation to assist local authorities in locating Melodee.
- October 22, 2025: Authorities confirm that Melodee remains an at-risk missing person, and Ashlee Buzzard continues to be uncooperative with investigators.
Description of Melodee Buzzard
Melodee Buzzard is described as a 9-year-old female, approximately 4 feet 6 inches tall, weighing 60 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a hooded sweatshirt and a wig that differs in color and style from her natural hair. Authorities are urging anyone who has seen Melodee or has information about her whereabouts to contact the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office.
Community Involvement
The community of Lompoc has demonstrated strong support for Melodee’s safe return. A candlelight vigil was organized by her paternal family in Vandenberg Village on October 24, 2025, to raise awareness and keep the case in the public eye. Family members are actively seeking information and have encouraged the public to come forward with any details.
Importance of Public Assistance
Authorities emphasize the significance of public assistance in ensuring Melodee’s safe return. They encourage anyone with information to contact the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office or submit anonymous tips through their established channels. The proactive involvement of community members can make a substantial difference in missing person cases.
Conclusion
The investigation into Melodee Buzzard’s disappearance continues to be a top priority for law enforcement. As the FBI and local authorities follow every lead, the collaboration with the community remains vital. Lompoc residents are urged to stay vigilant and report any relevant information that could assist in locating Melodee. Together, the community can play a critical role in fostering safety and support for one another amid challenging circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the latest update on the search for Melodee Buzzard?
The FBI and local authorities conducted an extensive search at the residence of Ashlee Buzzard, mother of missing 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard, on October 30, 2025. The search also included a storage locker and the rental car in which Melodee was last seen. Authorities have expressed concern over Ashlee Buzzard’s lack of cooperation with the investigation, and the case remains an active missing person investigation with no arrests made to date.
What is the timeline of events leading up to Melodee’s disappearance?
The timeline of events is as follows:
- October 7, 2025: Surveillance footage captures Melodee and her mother at a local car rental agency. Melodee appears to be wearing a wig, possibly to alter her appearance.
- October 7-10, 2025: Ashlee Buzzard rents a white Chevrolet Malibu and drives with Melodee on a road trip from Lompoc, California, to Nebraska, with a stop in Kansas on the return journey. Upon returning to Lompoc on October 10, Ashlee is alone; Melodee is not with her.
- October 14, 2025: A school administrator reports Melodee’s prolonged absence from her independent studies program, prompting authorities to initiate a missing person investigation.
- October 15, 2025: Detectives serve a search warrant at Ashlee Buzzard’s residence but do not locate Melodee. Ashlee remains uncooperative with investigators.
- October 18, 2025: The FBI joins the investigation to assist local authorities in locating Melodee.
- October 22, 2025: Authorities confirm that Melodee remains an at-risk missing person, and Ashlee Buzzard continues to be uncooperative with investigators.
How can the public assist in the search for Melodee Buzzard?
Authorities are urging anyone who has seen Melodee or has information about her whereabouts to contact the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office at (805) 681-4150. Anonymous tips can be submitted through the tip line at (805) 681-4171 or online. The community is also encouraged to avoid conducting independent searches to prevent interference with official investigations.
What is known about Melodee Buzzard’s appearance?
Melodee is described as a 9-year-old female, approximately 4 feet 6 inches tall, weighing 60 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a hooded sweatshirt and a wig that is darker and straighter than her natural hair. Surveillance footage from October 7, 2025, shows her at a local car rental agency, where she appears to be wearing a wig, possibly to alter her appearance.
What is the community’s response to Melodee’s disappearance?
The community has shown strong support for Melodee’s safe return. A candlelight vigil was held on October 24, 2025, organized by her paternal family in Vandenberg Village, to raise awareness and keep attention on the case. The family continues to seek information and urges the public to come forward with any details that may assist in locating Melodee.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Missing Person | Melodee Buzzard, 9-year-old girl from Lompoc, California |
| Mother’s Name | Ashlee Buzzard |
| Last Seen | October 7, 2025, at a car rental agency in Lompoc |
| Mother’s Actions | Rented a white Chevrolet Malibu; drove to Nebraska and Kansas; returned without Melodee on October 10, 2025 |
| Investigation Status | Active missing person investigation; FBI involved; no arrests made |
| Public Assistance | Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office at (805) 681-4150 or submit anonymous tips at (805) 681-4171 or online. |
| Community Support | Candlelight vigil held on October 24, 2025, organized by Melodee’s paternal family in Vandenberg Village. |
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