A recent case involving a missing 9-year-old girl in Southern California has raised serious concerns. The situation centers around Melodee Buzzard, who vanished shortly after a mysterious three-day trip taken by her mother, Ashlee Buzzard.
Details of the Disappearance
Ashlee Buzzard embarked on a journey that began on October 7, 2023. She rented a vehicle, specifically a white Chevrolet Malibu, and drove with Melodee toward Nebraska. This route covered approximately 3,000 miles and would have taken about 48 hours of driving time.
After the trip, Ashlee returned to her home in Vandenberg Village on October 10 but had no sign of her daughter. Concern escalated when the Lompoc Unified School District alerted the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office about Melodee’s absence from school activities on October 14.
Investigation Efforts
Authorities launched a prompt investigation. Detectives found Ashlee uncooperative during inquiries about her daughter’s whereabouts. The FBI joined the investigation on October 18, which intensified concerns about Melodee’s safety.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| October 7, 2023 | Trip to Nebraska begins |
| October 10, 2023 | Ashlee returns home alone |
| October 14, 2023 | Melodee reported missing by school |
| October 18, 2023 | The FBI joins the investigation |
New Clues and Details
Authorities released surveillance footage on October 7, showing Melodee at a California car rental agency. In the footage, she wore a hooded sweatshirt and a wig that appeared darker and straighter than her natural hair. Investigators suspect the wig might have been used to disguise her appearance.
Ashlee Buzzard has a history of wearing wigs, which adds a layer of complexity to the investigation. The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office urged anyone with information from either the trip or recent sightings to come forward.
Community Response and Family Concerns
The community has rallied around Melodee’s case, with posters and candles displayed outside her home. Her father, Rubiell Meza, tragically passed in a motorcycle accident in 2016. Family members reported they have had little access to Melodee, leading to concerns about her well-being.
Bridgett Truitt, Melodee’s aunt, indicated that the family has been desperate to see her. “We never stopped thinking about her or loving her or praying for her,” she stated.
A vigil was held outside the Vandenberg Village home, where friends and family gathered to pray for Melodee’s prompt and safe return.
Contact Information
Anyone with relevant information about Melodee Buzzard is encouraged to reach out to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office at (805) 681-4150. Anonymous tips can be submitted at (805) 681-4171 or via SBSheriff.org.
