The ongoing search for Melodee Buzzard, a young girl missing from California, has taken a concerning turn as her mother, Ashlee Buzzard, is suspected of altering a rental vehicle’s license plate to evade authorities. This revelation was shared in a recent update from the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office.

On Wednesday, officials detailed that Ashlee Buzzard embarked on a cross-country journey on October 7 after renting a car in Lompoc. The trip seemingly included stops in Kansas and Nebraska, raising questions about her intent and destination.

Security footage captured the presence of both Ashlee and her 9-year-old daughter, Melodee, at the car rental business. Notably, they were seen wearing wigs, which investigators believe were used as a disguise to change their appearance. The authorities have pointed out that Ashlee is known for wearing wigs, adding a layer of complexity to the situation.

The vehicle in question, a white 2024 Chevrolet Malibu, was originally equipped with a California license plate numbered 9MNG101. However, on October 8, it was reportedly replaced with a New York license plate, HCG9677, in what appears to be an attempt to avoid detection.

The rental car, described as a white 2024 Chevrolet Malibu, initially had California license plate 9MNG101. On October 8, Buzzard allegedly changed it to New York license plate HCG9677.

“It is unknown when the plate was installed or whether additional plates were used at other times during travel. The New York plate seen on the car does not belong to the vehicle or to Ashlee,” the sheriff’s office said.

On October 9, security footage showed Melodee in the vehicle, “in the region between the Colorado–Utah border.”

The sheriff’s office shared a map of the locations they believe Ashlee Buzzard traveled to before returning home.

“Detectives are seeking anyone who may have had contact with Ashlee or Melodee at any point from October 9-10, 2025, or any video footage from their route of travel,” the sheriff’s office said.

When Buzzard returned the car, it had the California license plate back on.

Ashlee Buzzard arrived back at her Vandenberg Village home, in the 500 block of Mars Avenue on October 10. Melodee was not with her, as CrimeOnline previously reported.

Wednesday’s statement indicated that Buzzard has remained uncooperative in the investigation.

The sheriff’s office, along with the FBI, previously carried out search warrants at Buzzard’s home, but Melodee remains unaccounted for.

READ MORE: Melodee Buzzard Timeline: Search for Missing 9-Year-Old California Girl Continues

Melodee is described as standing 4 feet, 6 inches tall, weighing 60 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information regarding Melodee’s whereabouts is asked to call Santa Barbara County investigators at 805-681-4150. Anonymous calls can be made to the tip line at 805-681-4171. Contact the FBI at 800-225-5324.

Anonymous tipsters can also share information online to the sheriff’s office.

Read additional coverage on Melodee Buzzard

[Feature Photo: Santa Barbara County police]