Authorities are revealing new information about the case of missing nine-year-old Melodee Buzzard, more than a fortnight after the search commenced. The investigation kicked off on October 14 following concerns raised by a school official regarding Melodee’s extended absence.
Law enforcement officers visited Melodee’s residence and engaged in discussions with her mother, 35-year-old Ashlee Buzzard. Melodee was not present at the home, and officials stated that no credible explanation for her whereabouts was provided.
Newly released surveillance footage captures Melodee inside a car rental establishment in Santa Barbara on October 7, just a week before she was reported missing in Lompoc, her hometown situated approximately 55 miles away from the rental shop. The images depict Melodee donning a grey sweatshirt with the hood up and a wig that differs from her natural hair, as outlined in a police statement.
The statement mentioned that investigators observed the wig may have been utilized to change Melodee’s appearance, noting that her mother, Ashlee Buzzard, is known to wear wigs. Ashlee had rented a white Chevrolet Malibu before embarking on a three-day road trip from Lompoc to Nebraska with Melodee.
Authorities stated that the trip extended to the Nebraska area and included a return journey through Kansas. Efforts are now concentrated on determining Melodee’s whereabouts during those three days and her current location.
The FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office is aiding in the search and confirmed that Melodee may have been in the company of her mother as recently as October 7, potentially traveling to Nebraska. The rental car is no longer with Ashlee, who has been uncooperative and has not cooperated in disclosing her daughter’s location.
Melodee, due to her age and the duration of her absence, is classified as at-risk. The Santa Barbara County Sheriff, Bill Brown, emphasized the ongoing investigation and urged the public to provide any pertinent information to locate Melodee safely.
Authorities expressed hope that Melodee might be with an individual who is unaware of the circumstances surrounding her disappearance, possibly an extended family member or friend. Melodee is described as approximately 4 feet, 6 inches tall, weighing 60 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.