On Oct. 7, the sheriff\u2019s office said there was a verified sighting of Melodee and her mother as they began a road trip to Nebraska. Authorities said her mother returned without her. <\/p>\n
On Oct. 14, Melodee\u2019s school contacted deputies about her absence. Deputies spoke with her mom, who was uncooperative. The next day, deputies searched the home.<\/p>\n
Melodee is still nowhere to be found. <\/p>\n
On Oct. 18, the FBI joined the investigation.<\/p>\n
As of Friday, Melodee is still an at-risk missing person, and her mother remains uncooperative. <\/p>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/W7YRKL6DPVADDEKN467CUI7FXY.jpg\")
A California sheriff\u2019s office released more information on a missing 9-year-old girl who they said was travelling to Nebraska at the beginning of the month.(Raquel Zick | Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office)<\/p>\n
October 20th press release: <\/p>\n
\u201cThrough their investigation, detectives have gathered evidence indicating that Melodee was with her mother, Ashlee Buzzard, as recently as October 7, 2025. Detectives have also determined that Ashlee may have driven with Melodee in a White Chevrolet Malibu [California license plate] (9MNG101) to locations outside of Santa Barbara County to include as far as the state of Nebraska. The vehicle was determined to be a rental car no longer in Ashlee\u2019s possession.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAt this point in the investigation, Ashlee Buzzard remains uncooperative and has not provided detectives with any information about Melodee\u2019s current location or condition. The primary goal of this investigation is to verify the location and welfare of Melodee Buzzard and ensure that she is safe.\u201d<\/p>\n
Authorities remain extremely committed to their investigation, and are asking the public for help with this case. They are, however, asking the public to be diligent with their efforts.<\/p>\n
\u201cDetectives are aware of the strong community interest in Melodee\u2019s case and are asking the public not to attempt to conduct their own searches or investigations. While well-intentioned, these efforts could unintentionally interfere with investigative work already in progress. Detectives have already conducted a thorough search of the family\u2019s residence and continue to follow verified leads in a coordinated manner.\u201d<\/p>\n
SBCSO is asking that anyone with information about Ashlee or Melodee call 805-681-4150. Those wishing to remain anonymous can leave a tip by calling 805-681-4171 or clicking this link<\/a>.<\/p>\n