The mother of missing California girl Melodee Buzzard was removed from her Vandenberg Village home Thursday, as law enforcement carried out additional search warrants.
In a Thursday afternoon press statement, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office stated that detectives and the FBI carried out search warrants at Ashlee Buzzard’s home, in the 500 block of Mars Avenue. They also searched a storage locker and a rental car she previously had possession of.
Police removed Ashlee Buzzard from the home because investigators are expected to need access to the home “for an extended time.”
They took her to an undisclosed location so that she doesn’t “interfere with their ability to conduct a thorough search.”
“We appreciate the FBI’s assistance in today’s searches,” Sheriff’s Lieutenant Chris Gotschall from the Criminal Investigation Division said Thursday.
“In cases like this, every detail matters and it is invaluable to have additional resources and specialized expertise. Collaboration with our federal partners allows us to ensure we’re using every available tool to help bring resolution to this case.”
Police previously said that Buzzard has not been cooperative in the search for her 9-year-old daughter, who hasn’t been seen since October 7.
According to the sheriff’s office, security footage captured Melodee at a “local car rental business” on that same day.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, the sheriff’s office described the car as a white Chevrolet Malibu with the license plate number 9MNG101.
Security footage showed Melodee wearing what appears to be a wig “that is darker and straighter than her natural hair.” the FBI Los Angeles said.
Investigators said they believe that the wig was used to alter Melodee’s appearance. They also noted that Ashlee Buzzard is known to wear wigs.
The pair took a three-day road trip, with stops in Nebraska and Kansas, the FBI said.
READ MORE: Melodee Buzzard Timeline: Search for Missing 9-Year-Old California Girl Continues
Meanwhile, relatives told NewsNation that Ashlee Buzzard was seen ripping down missing posters of her daughter that were placed around her home.
Melodee’s paternal aunt, Lizabeth Meza, reportedly said she viewed an “extremely hard to watch” video that showed Ashlee Buzzard removing signs and posters that family members created.
“I know my niece went out there, my mother-in-law and family members, and put signs up there, not only for the community see it, but for Ashlee to remember, you know, that you have this beautiful daughter, and we want her back,” Meza said.
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.
Read additional coverage on Melodee Buzzard
For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast.
[Feature Photo: Santa Barbara County police]
