A California community is growing frustrated with the case of Melodee Buzzard, a 9-year-old girl who has been missing for a week, and they are putting pressure on investigators to do more.The search for Melodee Buzzard began last week after a school administrator reported the girl’s extended absence from an independent studies program. Authorities say Melodee’s mother has been uncooperative with the investigation.”We’re all looking for answers, but you know we’re showing up today so that way you know she knows we care, we’re here for Melodee and hopefully she will come out and tell us where she’s at,” a protester said.Sheriff’s deputies briefly addressed the growing crowd, saying they do not believe the child’s mother has been home for the past 48 hours. Neighbors strongly disagree, telling reporters they’ve seen signs of activity.”Besides the garage been open almost 48 hours which we don’t know if she knows or not, she was burning something in the fireplace last night, but paper was coming out,” a neighbor said.Tensions rose as families demanded immediate information. “It’s about time, like organization is going to be key in this, like, if they’re not going to press her until she cracks, I’m sorry, it’s time,” another protester said.Within hours, a new Facebook group had dozens of members organizing, saying they will continue gathering daily until Melodee is located. “I felt like nobody was doing anything like actually moving so I wanted to reach the community and a lot of us have daughters and it’s heartbreaking,” a protester said.Deputies on Sunday said the case remains under investigation. Police say Melodee’s mother may have driven her as far away as Nebraska and that she no longer has possession of the vehicle.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

VANDENBERG VILLAGE, Calif. —

A California community is growing frustrated with the case of Melodee Buzzard, a 9-year-old girl who has been missing for a week, and they are putting pressure on investigators to do more.

The search for Melodee Buzzard began last week after a school administrator reported the girl’s extended absence from an independent studies program. Authorities say Melodee’s mother has been uncooperative with the investigation.

“We’re all looking for answers, but you know we’re showing up today so that way you know she knows we care, we’re here for Melodee and hopefully she will come out and tell us where she’s at,” a protester said.

Sheriff’s deputies briefly addressed the growing crowd, saying they do not believe the child’s mother has been home for the past 48 hours. Neighbors strongly disagree, telling reporters they’ve seen signs of activity.

“Besides the garage been open almost 48 hours which we don’t know if she knows or not, she was burning something in the fireplace last night, but paper was coming out,” a neighbor said.

Tensions rose as families demanded immediate information. “It’s about time, like organization is going to be key in this, like, if they’re not going to press her until she cracks, I’m sorry, it’s time,” another protester said.

Within hours, a new Facebook group had dozens of members organizing, saying they will continue gathering daily until Melodee is located. “I felt like nobody was doing anything like actually moving so I wanted to reach the community and a lot of us have daughters and it’s heartbreaking,” a protester said.

Deputies on Sunday said the case remains under investigation. Police say Melodee’s mother may have driven her as far away as Nebraska and that she no longer has possession of the vehicle.

See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel