Melodee was entered in the investigation by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office on October 14, 2025, after a school administrator reported that she had not been seen for an extended period.

• Melodee was entered in the investigation by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office on October 14, 2025, after a school administrator reported that she had not been seen for an extended period. The Santa Barbara Independent+3sbsheriff.org+3The Santa Barbara Independent+3

• Investigators determined Melodee was last confirmed to be with her mother, Ashlee Buzzard, on October 7, 2025. The mother is believed to have rented a white Chevrolet Malibu (license plate 9MNG101) and traveled possibly as far as Nebraska with Melodee. The Santa Barbara Independent+2CalCoast Times+2

• Melodee is now considered an at-risk missing child. sbsheriff.org+1

• Ashlee Buzzard has been uncooperative with investigators and has not provided a clear explanation of Melodee’s whereabouts. People.com+1

• The most recent verified sighting of Melodee was in August 2025, though earlier reports initially indicated she had not been seen since October 2024. sbsheriff.org+1

• The case has drawn wider law-enforcement involvement: the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) joined the search around October 18, 2025. The Santa Barbara Independent+1

🧒 Physical / case details

• Melodee is described approximately 4 ft 6 inches tall and about 60 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. Investigator caution that her appearance may have changed. The Santa Barbara Independent+1

• The school district (Lompoc Unified School District) clarified that she had been registered in an independent study program in August 2025, but had not collected assignments and truancy procedures had been initiated. The Santa Barbara Independent

🛑 Key concerns & open questions

• Why the extended absence from school without earlier detection.

• The mother’s non-cooperation raises serious concerns about Melodee’s welfare.

• The road trip outside the county (and possibly out of state) stretches the search beyond local jurisdiction.

• Because Melodee is classified as “at-risk,” time is critical.

• Authorities urge the public not to conduct private searches (which could hinder investigation) but instead to submit tips via proper channels. sbsheriff.org+1

📞 What you can do / Contact info

If you have any information about Melodee Buzzard’s current location, her association with anyone since October 7, or sightings of the vehicle (white Chevy Malibu 9MNG101), contact:

• Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Criminal Investigations Division: (805) 681-4150

• Anonymous tip line: (805) 681-4171 or submit tips online at sbsheriff.org Federal Bureau of Investigation+1

• FBI tip line: 1-800-225-5324 CalCoast Times