The search for 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard has intensified as Santa Barbara authorities continue their efforts to locate her. The only available photograph of Melodee is now over two years old, due to her being homeschooled in Vandenberg Village, a community just north of Lompoc, California.

Deputies from the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office initially conducted a welfare check at the residence of Ashlee Buzzard, Melodee’s mother, but found no one there. Upon returning the following day, they were able to speak with Ashlee, but Melodee was still absent. According to officials, Ashlee Buzzard was unable to offer a “clear explanation” regarding her daughter’s current location.

Tragically, Melodee lost her father to a car accident when she was just six months old. Described as an affectionate and joyful child, Melodee is known for her radiant smile and her fondness for spending time with her cousins.

Since the passing of Melodee’s father, Ashlee Buzzard has been raising her daughter alone, gradually distancing herself from the rest of the family. As a result, Melodee has not been seen by her paternal relatives for several years.

Authorities are urging anyone with information on Melodee’s whereabouts to contact the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office at 805-681-4150.

Joining Nancy Grace today:

Additional Guests

• Lizabeth Meza – Aunt of Melodee Buzzard
• Lauren Johnson-Norris – Defense Attorney specializing in juvenile, and CPS cases in Orange County, California), Founder of Johnson Criminal Law Group
• Bill Garcia – Owner of Bill Garcia Investigative Services, Facebook: Bill Garcia Investigative Services, Instagram @BGISInternational
• Sydney Sumner – Investigative Reporter, ‘Crime Stories’
• Raquel Zick – PIO for the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office in California

“Crime Stories with Nancy Grace” on Fox Nation is also a national radio show on SiriusXM channel 111, airing for two hours daily starting at 12 p.m. EST. You can also subscribe and download the daily podcasts at iHeart Podcasts.

[Feature Photo via Santa Barbara County SO]