Sheriff Reports Lack of Cooperation from Mother in Case of Missing California Girl

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The disappearance of 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard remains an ongoing concern for the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office. The young girl has not been seen for over a year, and it has been two years since any photographs of her have surfaced.

In a troubling twist, authorities report that Melodee’s mother, Ashlee Buzzard, has been less than forthcoming in assisting with the investigation. Detectives have not received any credible information concerning Melodee’s current location, raising concerns about her safety and well-being.

However, there is a recent development that offers a flicker of hope. The Sheriff’s Office has announced that, following a public appeal for information, they have received at least one promising lead and a confirmed sighting of Melodee within this year. This progress could be a critical step toward ensuring her safe return.

Meanwhile, in a related case, Tennessee authorities have released a new age-progressed image of Summer Wells, another missing child, underscoring the ongoing efforts nationwide to bring missing children back to their families.

According to Sheriff’s spokesperson Raquel Zick, detectives have confirmed that Melodee was seen as recently as August 2025.

Officials did not say where or by whom she was seen but are encouraged by the new information.

“This important update helps narrow a significant gap in the timeline of when she was last known to be seen and because of that, we’re closer to understanding what happened to Melodee,” said SBSO Chris Gotschall from the Criminal Investigations Division.

Melodee Buzzard of Lompoc is seen in this undated photo provided by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office. Buzzard has not been seen in at least a year, and hasn’t been photographed in at least two.

Gotschall thanked the Lompoc Unified School District for bringing Melodee’s absence to their attention.

“Lompoc Unified School District deserves credit for recognizing that something wasn’t right, reaching out, and continuing to assist with this investigation,” he said.

Melodee, who is homeschooled, lived in Vandenberg Village, a small community adjacent to Lompoc in northern Santa Barbara County near the Space Force Base that shares its name.

Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at 805-681-4150. Anonymous tips can be provided online or by calling 805-681-4171.

Despite lack of cooperation from Buzzard’s mother, the Sheriff’s Office has not said if foul play is suspect or if Melodee’s disappearance is considered suspicious. She is continued to be considered “at-risk.”