California Girl Missing After Mom Drives to Nebraska and Returns Without Her, Police Say
LOMPOC, CALIFORNIA — Authorities are searching nationwide for 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard, who disappeared after her mother allegedly drove from California to Nebraska and returned home without her earlier this month. Police say the mother has since refused to cooperate with investigators.
According to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, Melodee was last seen on October 7 leaving her home in Lompoc — about 60 miles northwest of Santa Barbara — with her mother, Ashlee Buzzard. The pair reportedly set off on what was described as a trip to Nebraska, but only the mother came back.
‘Uncooperative’ Mother Returns Without Child
Authorities say that when Ashlee Buzzard returned home to Lompoc, her daughter was nowhere to be found — and the mother refused to provide a clear explanation about the child’s whereabouts.
“Buzzard remains uncooperative and has not provided any information about her daughter’s location or welfare,” said the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office in a public statement.
Law enforcement officials first learned about the situation on October 14, when the Lompoc Unified School District contacted police to report Melodee’s extended absence. Deputies who went to the family’s home on Mars Avenue found no sign of the girl and no verifiable story from her mother.
Community and Police ‘Perplexed’ by Disappearance
Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown called the case “perplexing” and said the entire department shares the public’s concern for Melodee’s safety.
“We are hopeful that Melodee might be with someone — perhaps a family member or friend — who may not be aware of the circumstances of her disappearance,” Brown said.
Local, state, and federal agencies — including the FBI — are now assisting in the investigation. Police are asking the public not to attempt independent searches but to report any credible information to the anonymous tip line at (805) 681-4171.
Family Speaks Out: ‘Please Tell Someone Who You Are’
In an interview with NBC affiliate KSBY, Melodee’s grandmother, Lori Miranda, said her daughter Ashlee had been struggling with mental health issues since Melodee’s father died in a car crash years ago. She said Child Protective Services had previously removed Melodee from the home after finding her living in unsafe conditions.
“I couldn’t believe it was my daughter,” Miranda said. “The house was in disarray. There were raw eggs in pans and rotten food in the fridge. I think she was trying to give my granddaughter that food.”
Miranda said she hasn’t seen Melodee in nearly two years and issued a tearful public plea:
“Please tell somebody, ‘I’m Melodee Buzzard. My grandma Luna is looking for me. Please call the police.’”
Description of the Missing Girl
Officials describe Melodee Buzzard as approximately 4 feet 6 inches tall, weighing around 60 pounds, with brown eyes and brown hair. Authorities note that the photo released to the public is about two years old, and her appearance may have changed.
Anyone with information about Melodee’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office at (805) 681-4171 or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers.
Have you seen this missing child? Share any information that may help authorities bring Melodee Buzzard home safely.