A nine-year-old girl, Melodee Buzzard, from California, has been reported missing. Her mother, Ashlee Buzzard, has reportedly declined to cooperate with law enforcement regarding her daughter’s whereabouts, prompting an investigation.
Key Details
- Nine-year-old Melodee Buzzard has been reported missing in California.
- Her mother, Ashlee Buzzard, is refusing to cooperate with investigators.
- Melodee was last seen on October 7, 2025, at a car rental business in Lompoc.
- Ashlee returned alone three days later, raising concern among authorities.
- School officials reported Melodee missing on October 14, 2025, after she failed to return to class.
Investigation Details
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office released surveillance images showing Melodee at a Lompoc car rental business on October 7, 2025, appearing to wear a disguise. Three days later, Ashlee Buzzard returned home alone in the same rental vehicle. She has not provided an explanation for her daughter’s absence. Law enforcement officials suggest that a child in disguise typically indicates adult involvement. The surveillance images show Melodee in a hooded sweatshirt and what investigators believe to be a wig. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has joined the investigation, indicating the potential for interstate involvement, and is actively working to locate Melodee Buzzard.
The last image of Melodee Buzzard (9) was captured on surveillance video from a local car rental business in Santa Barbara on October 7th.
Her mother, Ashlee Buzzard, rented a car and drove as far as Nebraska and Kansas before returning home on October 10th without Melodee. 😣… pic.twitter.com/n8986tCYMN
— Rose (@901Lulu) October 24, 2025
Family Background
Court records indicate Ashlee Buzzard has a history of financial difficulties, including debt collection cases and bankruptcy proceedings. She also has a documented history of mental illness. The family has been estranged from extended relatives for four years.
Watch the report: Calif. 9-Year-Old Missing: Where is Melodee Buzzard?
Sources:
Photos suggest missing 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard might be in disguise, investigators say
Where is Melodee Buzzard, missing California girl
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