California Girl's Disappearance Deepens: Mother Returns from Out-of-State Trip Without Daughter

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A 9-year-old girl, whose absence was reported earlier this month, had not been seen for over a year before concerns were raised. Her mother traveled out of state with her just days prior to the investigation but returned without her.

On Wednesday, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office shared new insights into the case of 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard. Her disappearance came to light after school officials realized they hadn’t been in contact with her for more than a year.

Melodee Buzzard, last confirmed to be seen earlier this month, remains a focus of police efforts.

Authorities report that Melodee’s mother, Ashlee Buzzard, has not cooperated with the investigation. She has failed to provide a clear explanation regarding her daughter’s whereabouts or well-being.

However, investigators have now verified that Melodee was seen as recently as August. Evidence indicates she was with her mother on October 7, just a week before the investigation began.

The rental vehicle they were traveling in, which has since been returned, was identified as a white Chevrolet Malibu with the license plate number 9MNG101.

A timeline provided by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office shows the moments before and after Melodee (sic) Buzzard was reported missing on Oct. 14, 2025.
A timeline provided by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office shows the moments before and after Melodee (sic) Buzzard was reported missing on Oct. 14, 2025.

The investigation into her disappearance was formally launched on Oct. 14, and detectives served a search warrant at their home and surrounding areas the following day. The FBI was also looped into the investigation last week, officials said.

Throughout the search and quest for answers, detectives say Ashlee Buzzard has not cooperated with the investigation as her daughter remains an “at-risk” missing person.

Melodee is described as being around 4 feet 6 inches and weighing around 60 pounds. She has brown hair and brown eyes.

Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown said his department shares in the concern of the local community, who is anxious to find the missing elementary school student and bring her home. He thanked local media for helping to spread her photo and story, which has already led to the confirmation of the previous sighting in August.

That photo, the most recent known image of her, was taken around two years ago, and Melodee’s appearance may have changed in the years since, officials said.

“We are hopeful that Melodee might be with someone – perhaps an extended family member or friend – who may not be aware of the circumstances of her disappearance,” Brown said in a news release Wednesday.

Brown also urged the public not to attempt to conduct their own “searches or investigations,” as that could only complicate and disrupt ongoing efforts by law enforcement.

“The most effective way to help is by sharing factual information directly with detectives,” the Sheriff’s Office said.

Anyone who has seen Melodee Buzzard, or has had contact with her mother since Oct. 7, is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Criminal Investigations Division at 805-681-4150. Anonymous tips can be provided online or by calling 805-681-4171.