Santa Barbara County, November 9, 2025
The search for 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard in Santa Barbara County intensifies as authorities release new surveillance footage. Melodee has been missing since early October, and her mother was arrested on unrelated charges. The community is working together to locate Melodee, who was last seen with her mother before a road trip that raised concerns of evasion. Public assistance is encouraged as investigation efforts continue.
Santa Barbara County Investigates Disappearance of Melodee Buzzard
Increased Efforts in Search for Missing 9-Year-Old
Santa Barbara County authorities are ramping up their investigation into the disappearance of 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard, who has been missing since early October. With recent developments including the release of crucial surveillance footage and the arrest of her mother on unrelated charges, the community is rallying together with the hope of bringing Melodee home.
Crucial Surveillance Footage Unveiled
On November 6, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office released significant surveillance footage showcasing Melodee and her mother, Ashlee, at a rental car agency in Lompoc on October 7. Both individuals were observed wearing wigs, an action believed to be an attempt to alter their appearances during travel. This footage aligns with previously distributed still images and raises concerns regarding their intent to evade recognition while on their road trip.
Mother’s Arrest and Its Implications
On November 7, Ashlee Buzzard was arrested on suspicion of false imprisonment, allegedly preventing a victim from leaving a location against their will. While this arrest is not directly linked to Melodee’s disappearance, it has drawn attention to the complexities surrounding the case. The authorities are remaining cautious and have withheld detailed information to ensure the ongoing investigation is not hindered.
Details Surrounding Melodee’s Disappearance
Melodee was last seen on October 7, when she and her mother rented a white 2024 Chevrolet Malibu, with California license plate 9MNG101. During their trip, which took them through Utah, Arizona, Nevada, and possibly as far as Nebraska, surveillance placed them near the Colorado-Utah border on October 9. However, Ashlee returned to Lompoc on October 10 without Melodee, with the rental vehicle’s license plate having been altered to a New York plate during their travels, raising further suspicions of intentional evasion.
Community Engagement in the Search
Authorities have called for public assistance in reviewing surveillance footage from October 9 and 10. They urge residents, particularly those in Green River, Utah; Panguitch, Utah; northwest Arizona; Primm, Nevada; and Rancho Cucamonga, California, to come forward with any information that might aid the investigation. Those with leads can contact the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office directly or use the anonymous tip line.
Melodee Buzzard: A Profile
Melodee is described as a 9-year-old girl with brown hair and brown eyes, standing approximately 4 feet 6 inches tall and weighing around 60 pounds. The community remains hopeful that her case will have a positive resolution and is eager to support ongoing investigative efforts.
FAQ
What is the latest information on the search for Melodee Buzzard?
Authorities released surveillance footage showing Melodee and her mother at a rental car agency on October 7, both wearing wigs. Additionally, Melodee’s mother, Ashlee Buzzard, was arrested on unrelated charges of false imprisonment. The investigation into Melodee’s disappearance continues.
What are the details of the surveillance footage released by authorities?
The footage shows Melodee and her mother at a rental car agency in Lompoc on October 7, both wearing wigs, believed to be an attempt to alter their appearances during travel.
What charges was Ashlee Buzzard arrested on?
Ashlee Buzzard was arrested on suspicion of false imprisonment after allegedly preventing a victim from leaving a location against their will. This arrest is unrelated to Melodee’s disappearance.
What is known about Melodee Buzzard’s disappearance?
Melodee was last seen on October 7, 2025, when she and her mother rented a vehicle and began a road trip. They traveled through several states, and on October 9 they were near the Colorado-Utah border. Ashlee returned to Lompoc on October 10 without Melodee, and the rental car’s license plate had been switched during the trip.
How can the public assist in the investigation?
Authorities urge the public to review any surveillance footage from October 9 and 10 in specific areas; anyone with information about Melodee’s whereabouts should contact the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office or the anonymous tip line provided.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Missing Person | Melodee Buzzard, 9 years old, last seen on October 7, 2025. |
| Mother’s Arrest | Ashlee Buzzard arrested on unrelated charges of false imprisonment. |
| Surveillance Footage | Released footage shows mother and daughter at a rental car agency, both wearing wigs. |
| Travel Route | Road trip included stops in Utah, Arizona, Nevada, and possibly Nebraska; last seen near Colorado-Utah border on October 9. |
| Public Assistance | Authorities request public review of surveillance footage from October 9 and 10 in specific areas; contact information provided for tips. |
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