Mother of Missing Girl Melodee Buzzard Arrested on Unrelated Charges

URGENT UPDATE: The mother of missing 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard has been arrested on an unrelated charge, as the search for her daughter intensifies. Ashlee Buzzard, 30, faces a felony charge of false imprisonment, with bail set at $100,000. Authorities are urging the public for any information regarding Melodee’s whereabouts, as the investigation now spans nearly a month.

The search for Melodee began on October 14, when school officials reported her prolonged absence from the Lompoc Unified School District. She was last seen with her mother during a suspicious road trip from California to Nebraska that began on October 7. Investigators are focusing on this critical timeframe as they piece together the events leading to her disappearance.

Authorities revealed that Ashlee and Melodee used a rented 2024 Chevrolet Malibu for their trip, during which they appeared to alter their appearances with wigs to evade recognition. Surveillance footage confirmed they were seen wearing wigs during their travels, with investigators speculating that Ashlee may have swapped wigs to further disguise them.

The rental vehicle’s license plate also raised red flags; it originally bore a California plate (9MNG101) but was later seen with a New York plate (HCG9677), believed to be a false or switched plate to avoid detection. The Malibu traveled through multiple states, including Utah and Nevada, before returning to California.

Melodee was last confirmed to be seen near the Colorado-Utah state line on October 9. Her return to California was marked by the car’s drop-off at the rental agency on October 10, after which Melodee was reported missing four days later.

Family members, including Melodee’s aunt, have expressed deep concern, revealing they had not seen the girl for four years. Investigators have described Ashlee as “uncooperative,” and the FBI joined the case on October 18, amplifying efforts to locate Melodee. Public interest in the case surged following the release of a timeline detailing the mother and daughter’s whereabouts.

A candlelight vigil held by Melodee’s paternal relatives on October 24 underscored the emotional toll this case is taking on the family and community. Following Ashlee Buzzard’s recent arrest, the sheriff’s office confirmed they are still actively searching for Melodee and are appealing to the public for any information that could aid in her recovery.

As the situation develops, authorities stress the importance of not conducting personal searches, suggesting that such actions could hinder official efforts. A spokesperson for the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office stated, “We urge anyone with information to come forward.”

The investigation remains ongoing, and the community is left anxiously awaiting news on Melodee’s fate. Stay tuned for further updates as this critical story unfolds.