Santa Barbara, California, November 7, 2025
The search for 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard, missing since October 9, has intensified as authorities investigate her and her mother’s suspicious road trip across several states. Surveillance footage reveals attempts to alter their appearances, and law enforcement is appealing to the public for information to aid the investigation. Melodee’s safety remains a top concern for authorities as they explore her possible whereabouts.
Santa Barbara, California
Authorities Intensify Search for Missing 9-Year-Old
Authorities are intensifying their search for 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard, who has been missing since October 9, 2025. Investigations reveal that Melodee and her mother, Ashlee Buzzard, took a road trip from Lompoc, California, to Nebraska, during which they altered their appearances and vehicle identification to evade detection.
Details of the Disappearance
Melodee was last seen on October 9 near the Colorado-Utah border. Surveillance footage from October 7 shows both mother and daughter wearing wigs at a rental car location in Lompoc, suggesting an intentional effort to disguise their identities. Additionally, Ashlee Buzzard is believed to have swapped the rental car’s California license plate with a New York plate during their journey, further indicating attempts to avoid recognition. The pair traveled through Green River and Panguitch in Utah, as well as Rancho Cucamonga and Primm in Nevada, before reaching Nebraska. Ashlee returned the rental car to Lompoc on October 10 without Melodee, prompting the investigation.
Investigation and Public Appeal
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office is actively seeking assistance from the public. They have released surveillance images and a map detailing the travel route to encourage businesses, gas stations, and rest stops along the path to review their surveillance footage from October 9 to October 10. Authorities are urging anyone with information about Melodee’s whereabouts to contact the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department at 805-681-4150. Anonymous tips can be provided at 805-681-4171 or submitted online.
Background Information
Melodee Buzzard is described as approximately 4 feet 6 inches tall, weighing 60 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a hooded sweatshirt with the hood pulled up and what appears to be a wig that is darker and straighter than her natural hair. The circumstances surrounding her disappearance have raised concerns, and authorities are working diligently to locate her and ensure her safety.
FAQ
When was Melodee Buzzard last seen?
Melodee was last seen on October 9, 2025, near the Colorado-Utah border.
What did the surveillance footage reveal?
The footage from October 7 shows both mother and daughter wearing wigs at a rental car location in Lompoc, indicating an intentional effort to disguise their identities.
How can the public assist in the investigation?
Authorities are urging anyone with information about Melodee’s whereabouts to contact the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department at 805-681-4150. Anonymous tips can be provided at 805-681-4171 or submitted online.
What is known about Melodee’s appearance?
Melodee is approximately 4 feet 6 inches tall, weighs 60 pounds, has brown hair and brown eyes, and was last seen wearing a hooded sweatshirt with the hood pulled up and what appears to be a wig that is darker and straighter than her natural hair.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Last Seen | October 9, 2025, near the Colorado-Utah border. |
| Surveillance Footage | Shows mother and daughter wearing wigs at a rental car location in Lompoc on October 7. |
| License Plate Swap | Mother allegedly swapped rental car’s California license plate with a New York plate during the trip. |
| Travel Route | Traveled through Green River and Panguitch in Utah, Rancho Cucamonga and Primm in Nevada, before reaching Nebraska. |
| Public Assistance | Authorities are seeking information from the public; contact Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department at 805-681-4150. |
| Melodee’s Description | Approximately 4 feet 6 inches tall, 60 pounds, brown hair, brown eyes, last seen wearing a hooded sweatshirt and a wig. |
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