New images have surfaced of missing California girl, Melodee Buzzard, who hasn’t been seen in weeks, as her mother reportedly remains uncooperative with the investigation.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, Melodee’s mother, Ashlee Buzzard, rented a car and drove with the 9-year-old on a road trip, possibly headed to Nebraska, on October 7.
On October 10, she returned home alone to Vandenberg Village in northern Santa Barbara County, without her daughter.
The rental, identified as a white Chevrolet Malibu with the license plate number 9MNG101, has since been returned.
According to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, security footage captured Melodee at a “local car rental business” on October 7. She was seen in a hooded sweatshirt and likely a wig, “that is darker and straighter than her natural hair.”
Investigators believe that the wig was used to alter Melodee’s appearance. They also noted that Ashlee Buzzard is known to wear wigs.
Investigators said that Ashlee Buzzard likely drove to Kansas before returning home. Melodee’s maternal grandmother, Lori Miranda, previously told KSBY News that they have family in Kansas.
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Law enforcement is now trying to determine exactly where Ashlee Buzzard took Melodee.
“Our detectives are following every lead in this case. We continue to seek information from the public that could help us find Melodee,” said Sheriff Bill Brown. “We remain determined to bring her home safely.”
Melodee’s disappearance came to light on October 14, when Lompoc Unified School District employees reported her missing after she failed to pick assignments for an independent study program.
Melodee was reportedly being homeschooled when her mother signed her up for the program.
When officers arrived at Ashlee Buzzard’s home last week, in the 500 block of Mars Avenue in Vandenberg Village, they spoke with her but did not see Melodee.
They returned to the home for follow-ups, but could not find Melodee, and her mother didn’t offer valid explanations.
Meanwhile, DailyMail reports that Ashlee Buzzard was spotted leaving with someone in a black Lincoln Sedan Wednesday morning, headed first to a Budget car rental branch. They later drove to the Avis car rental store at an airport.
She was reportedly denied a rental at both locations and returned home.
A neighbor, according to DailyMail, claimed Buzzard was handed a notice Monday to produce her daughter or face arrest.
Melodee is described as standing 4 feet, 6 inches tall, weighing 60 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.
Anyone with information regarding Buzzard’s whereabouts is asked to call Santa Barbara County investigators at 805-681-4150. Anonymous calls can be made to the tip line at 805-681-4171. Contact the FBI at 800-225-5324.
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[Feature Photo: Santa Barbara County police]
