CA MELODEE BUZZARD: Missing from Vandenberg Village, CA - 9 Oct 2025 - Age 9 *Found Deceased*

https://ktla.com/news/california/california-authorities-launch-search-for-girl-who-hasnt-been-seen-in-at-least-1-year/

California authorities launch search for girl who hasn’t been seen in at least 1 year​

Authorities in Santa Barbara County launched a search for a 9-year-old girl who has not been seen in a year, and who has not been seen in a photograph in two.

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office began searching for Melodee Buzzard on Tuesday after a school administrator reported she hadn’t been at school in quite some time.

Deputies attempted to contact Melodee and her mother, Ashlee Buzzard, at their home in Lompoc, but the elementary school student was not there, and “no clear explanation was provided for her whereabouts.”

Although the missing persons case is only one-day-old, detectives have been unable to confirm a single recent sighting in about a year. The most recent photograph they were able to locate was taken at least two years ago, officials said.

The Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information about Melodee, potential sightings or contact in the past year, to come forward.

“Even small details may be critical in helping investigators ensure her safety,” the Sheriff’s Office wrote in a news release.


Media - MELODEE BUZZARD: Missing from Vandenberg Village, CA - 2024 - Age 9

 

[RoundPeg]

Additional search warrants served, mother removed from home during ongoing search for Melodee Buzzard

Authorities are serving additional search warrants in the case of a missing Vandenberg Village girl whose mother has now been escorted away from the home.

www.ksby.com

 

[Guess Who]

Additional search warrants served, mother removed from home during ongoing search for Melodee Buzzard

Authorities are serving additional search warrants in the case of a missing Vandenberg Village girl whose mother has now been escorted away from the home.

www.ksby.com

So was melodee seen in Kansas with her mom or was it just a license plate reader that logged the car and that's why they aren't sure where they went, but the car was tagged in Kansas and Nebraska?

 

[GrandmaBear]

Some serious action, enough one would think if the mom was going to give it up, the pressure now would have her doing so now. If she doesn't do so soon, I am going to lose the little hope I am trying hard to maintain.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

https://www.newsnationnow.com/banfield/melodee-buzzard-family-in-the-dark-missing/

Melodee Buzzard’s family ‘in the dark’ as FBI investigates​

Relatives of missing 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard revealed her mother tore down missing posters of Melodee as the search for the girl continues.

NewsNation affiliate KTLA reported new search warrants were served Thursday at the home of Melodee’s mom, Ashlee Buzzard, a storage locker and the rental car used by Ashlee Buzzard this month.

Melodee’s mom was removed from her home with assistance from the FBI, 16 days after Melodee was reported missing Oct. 14 by a Lompoc Unified School District administrator.


Amid the investigation, Melodee’s aunt, Lizabeth Meza, told “Banfield” she has little clarity on the missing case.

“We spoke to the news girl who’s been following it, she called and just let us know what was going on … but as far as detectives, we’ve called, left messages, and they haven’t returned any calls, so we’ve been in the dark,” Meza said.

Video showed Ashlee taking down missing posters of Melodee outside and near her home, which was “extremely hard to watch” for Meza.

“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,” she said.

“We want her safe, and for her to just rip them down like they didn’t mean anything. It’s definitely heartbreaking.”

Melodee’s sister, Corinna Meza, told “Banfield” she has not been able to get any answers regarding Melodee from her mother.

“She did not answer any questions regarding Melodee, only to let me know that everything has been hard on her and her mental health, and that she didn’t appreciate all the attention she’s been getting, and the fact that I was there and knocking at the door,” Corinna Meza said.

“She doesn’t really have much emotion, like a very straight face, like, no emotion at all,” Corinna Meza added of Ashlee’s emotions during their interaction.

Lizabeth told NewsNation she was unaware of any family or personal connection to Nebraska or Kansas, the states that Ashlee traveled through after leaving California and before returning.

 

[Guess Who]

https://www.newsnationnow.com/banfield/melodee-buzzard-family-in-the-dark-missing/

Melodee Buzzard’s family ‘in the dark’ as FBI investigates​

Relatives of missing 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard revealed her mother tore down missing posters of Melodee as the search for the girl continues.

NewsNation affiliate KTLA reported new search warrants were served Thursday at the home of Melodee’s mom, Ashlee Buzzard, a storage locker and the rental car used by Ashlee Buzzard this month.

Melodee’s mom was removed from her home with assistance from the FBI, 16 days after Melodee was reported missing Oct. 14 by a Lompoc Unified School District administrator.


Amid the investigation, Melodee’s aunt, Lizabeth Meza, told “Banfield” she has little clarity on the missing case.

“We spoke to the news girl who’s been following it, she called and just let us know what was going on … but as far as detectives, we’ve called, left messages, and they haven’t returned any calls, so we’ve been in the dark,” Meza said.

Video showed Ashlee taking down missing posters of Melodee outside and near her home, which was “extremely hard to watch” for Meza.

“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,” she said.

“We want her safe, and for her to just rip them down like they didn’t mean anything. It’s definitely heartbreaking.”

Melodee’s sister, Corinna Meza, told “Banfield” she has not been able to get any answers regarding Melodee from her mother.

“She did not answer any questions regarding Melodee, only to let me know that everything has been hard on her and her mental health, and that she didn’t appreciate all the attention she’s been getting, and the fact that I was there and knocking at the door,” Corinna Meza said.

“She doesn’t really have much emotion, like a very straight face, like, no emotion at all,” Corinna Meza added of Ashlee’s emotions during their interaction.

Lizabeth told NewsNation she was unaware of any family or personal connection to Nebraska or Kansas, the states that Ashlee traveled through after leaving California and before returning.

SMH This doesn't bode well for me to possibly think that Melodee is safe anywhere.

Video showed Ashlee taking down missing posters of Melodee outside and near her home, which was “extremely hard to watch” for Meza.

 

[GrandmaBear]

I don't find it odd detectives are not sharing anything with family.

There seems no love lost between the two families. She certainly isn't going to tell his family anything if she won't tell officers. I understand their need to get to her and need for answers but it won't help anything as I don't see her ever telling his family.

Jmo.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Where is Melodee Buzzard? New searches conducted at mom's home, rental car

California authorities said they've served follow-up search warrants at Melodee Buzzard's home, a storage locker and the rental car she was last seen in.

abcnews.go.com

Weeks into the "perplexing" search for missing 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard, California authorities said they've served follow-up search warrants at her mom's home, a storage locker and the rental car Melodee was last seen in.

Local detectives and FBI agents served the warrants on Thursday. Because they expected to need access to the home of Melodee's mom, Ashlee Buzzard, for "an extended time, detectives escorted Ashlee to an alternate location that would not interfere with their ability to conduct a thorough search," the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office said.

 

[Tresir]

Where is Melodee Buzzard? New searches conducted at mom's home, rental car

California authorities said they've served follow-up search warrants at Melodee Buzzard's home, a storage locker and the rental car she was last seen in.

abcnews.go.com

Weeks into the "perplexing" search for missing 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard, California authorities said they've served follow-up search warrants at her mom's home, a storage locker and the rental car Melodee was last seen in.

Local detectives and FBI agents served the warrants on Thursday. Because they expected to need access to the home of Melodee's mom, Ashlee Buzzard, for "an extended time, detectives escorted Ashlee to an alternate location that would not interfere with their ability to conduct a thorough search," the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office said.

A storage locker reminds me of JJ and Tylee.

 

[GrandmaBear]

A storage locker reminds me of JJ and Tylee.

Yeah it does, more than one thing does.

I keep wondering if there was evidence of her in the home, her room furnished, personal items, toothbrush in the bathroom, etc. There should be since she only recently was taken somewhere whereas JJ and Tylee had been missing for some time.

Lori had basically none with a few things in the storage locker.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Colby Ryan on missing Melodee Buzzard: 'The similarities are scary'

Colby Ryan, the sole surviving child of Lori Daybell, draws parallels between his mother's case and Melodee Buzzard's mother.

www.courttv.com

Colby Ryan on missing Melodee Buzzard: ‘The similarities are scary'​

Colby Ryan, the only surviving child of convicted killer Lori Daybell, is speaking out about the disappearance of 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard, drawing parallels between the missing California girl’s case and his own family’s tragic story.

Ryan appeared on NewsNation to discuss the ongoing search for Melodee, who vanished after her mother, Ashlee Buzzard, took her on a road trip to Nebraska in October and returned home without her. The case has drawn national attention as authorities continue searching for the child while her mother remains uncooperative with investigators.

Ryan’s own experience with family tragedy gives him a unique perspective on missing children cases. His mother, Lori Daybell, was convicted of murdering his siblings, Tylee Ryan and J.J. Vallow, whose remains were found buried on her husband Chad Daybell’s property in Idaho.

The similarities between the cases are striking: both involve mothers who became uncooperative with law enforcement when their children went missing. In Melodee’s case, authorities say Ashlee Buzzard has refused to provide a reasonable explanation for her daughter’s whereabouts since the child was reported missing on Oct. 14.


Ryan emphasized the urgency of finding missing children quickly, drawing from his family’s painful experience. He stressed that time is critical in these cases and that every day that passes makes it harder to locate a missing child, which is why it’s so important for people to come forward with any information they might have.

 

[Tresir]

Colby Ryan on missing Melodee Buzzard: 'The similarities are scary'

Colby Ryan, the sole surviving child of Lori Daybell, draws parallels between his mother's case and Melodee Buzzard's mother.

www.courttv.com

Colby Ryan on missing Melodee Buzzard: ‘The similarities are scary'​

Colby Ryan, the only surviving child of convicted killer Lori Daybell, is speaking out about the disappearance of 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard, drawing parallels between the missing California girl’s case and his own family’s tragic story.

Ryan appeared on NewsNation to discuss the ongoing search for Melodee, who vanished after her mother, Ashlee Buzzard, took her on a road trip to Nebraska in October and returned home without her. The case has drawn national attention as authorities continue searching for the child while her mother remains uncooperative with investigators.

Ryan’s own experience with family tragedy gives him a unique perspective on missing children cases. His mother, Lori Daybell, was convicted of murdering his siblings, Tylee Ryan and J.J. Vallow, whose remains were found buried on her husband Chad Daybell’s property in Idaho.

The similarities between the cases are striking: both involve mothers who became uncooperative with law enforcement when their children went missing. In Melodee’s case, authorities say Ashlee Buzzard has refused to provide a reasonable explanation for her daughter’s whereabouts since the child was reported missing on Oct. 14.


Ryan emphasized the urgency of finding missing children quickly, drawing from his family’s painful experience. He stressed that time is critical in these cases and that every day that passes makes it harder to locate a missing child, which is why it’s so important for people to come forward with any information they might have.

I can understand his concerns. If we noticed the similarities, it must be even more so for Colby.

 

[Kimster]

I’m thinking about the tools it took for LE to find Lori‘s kids. Following Alex‘s phone. So they are definitely going to be zeroed in on following her phone. Was she smart enough to turn it off? And how long did it take law-enforcement to get the cell phone coagulation for Alex? More than a month that’s for sure.

 

[GrandmaBear]

To this day, I am almost awestruck they found the kids. How unusual is it for her kids to have been found on her lover's property close to the home where he lived actively with a wife and family present? Those kids could have been ANYwhere...

I think sometimes about how different it would have been had they never been found. Loved ones would have never known what happened to them and we know Chad and Lori would have never given it up. There still would have been a case but not nearly as strong of one as with them found.

I hope we see no more similarities to that case than we have already seen in this one. We know how that one ended...

 

[noZme]

Sheriff’s Detectives Share Updated Timeline and Images in Search for Missing 9-Year-Old Melodee Buzzard – Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office

Proud to Protect and Serve Santa Barbara County The men and women of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office are proud to protect the people of this beautiful county. Our dedicated team of professionals uphold our five core values, integrity, caring, courage, fairness and service, in all that...

www.sbsheriff.org

Sheriff’s detectives are releasing an updated timeline and recently obtained surveillance images as they continue their search for missing 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard.

Through their ongoing investigation, detectives have narrowed the critical timeline to between October 7 and October 10, 2025. Investigators have confirmed that Ashlee was seen returning to her Lompoc residence on October 10, driving the same rental vehicle she departed with on October 7—but Melodee was not in the car. Investigators understand that this three-day road trip went from Lompoc to the Nebraska area, with the return trip including the state of Kansas. Detectives are now focused on determining where Melodee was during those three days and where she may be now.

As part of this update, detectives are sharing surveillance images of Melodee captured at a local car rental business on October 7. In the photo, Melodee is wearing a hooded sweatshirt with the hood pulled up and what appears to be a wig that is darker and straighter than her natural hair. Investigators believe the wig may have been used to alter her appearance. Detectives also note that Ashlee is known to wear wigs.

 

[GrandmaBear]

There are a lot of people out there if one reads the comments that do not think these pics are of Melodee. I have to say I feel the same, they certainly do not look like the child imo.

I've not said throughout as I thought it was just me, and if LE says it is her, then it must be her.

Just thought I'd mention it as it is a common opinion out there.

 

[Tresir]

If you enlarge the full face image in this sheriff alert, you can just see a little bit of curly hair poking out onto her left cheek. I think it is her. A little taller and thinner with a wig on, as they mention in the alert below.

Sheriff’s Detectives Share Updated Timeline and Images in Search for Missing 9-Year-Old Melodee Buzzard – Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office

Proud to Protect and Serve Santa Barbara County The men and women of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office are proud to protect the people of this beautiful county. Our dedicated team of professionals uphold our five core values, integrity, caring, courage, fairness and service, in all that...

www.sbsheriff.org

 

[Tresir]

There is another alert that gives more detail and another photo including mum. She apparently used a false plate for some of that return journey. WTH was she up to?

Update in Ongoing Search for Melodee Buzzard- Investigative Focus on October 9 Travel Route – Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office

Proud to Protect and Serve Santa Barbara County The men and women of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office are proud to protect the people of this beautiful county. Our dedicated team of professionals uphold our five core values, integrity, caring, courage, fairness and service, in all that...

www.sbsheriff.org

Update in Ongoing Search for Melodee Buzzard- Investigative Focus on October 9 Travel Route​

Posted November 3, 2025
Lompoc, Calif. – Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s detectives are sharing additional information, a route map, and photo that includes Ashlee Buzzard in their ongoing search for missing at-risk 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard.
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office began investigating on October 14, 2025, when a school administrator reported Melodee’s prolonged absence. Deputies attempted to locate Melodee and her mother, Ashlee at their residence in Lompoc, California, but were only able to speak with Ashlee who provided no verifiable explanation for Melodee’s whereabouts. A search of the residence confirmed that Melodee was not there. Ashlee has remained uncooperative and has not confirmed Melodee’s location or welfare.
Through their investigation, detectives have confirmed that Ashlee left California with Melodee in a white 2024 Chevrolet Malibu, initially bearing California license plate 9MNG101, on October 7, 2025. Detectives believe that Ashlee and Melodee travelled as far as Nebraska, with a return trip that included Kansas. Beginning October 8, 2025, the Malibu was observed with a New York license plate HCG9677. It is unknown when the plate was installed or whether additional plates were used at other times during travel. The New York plate seen on the car does not belong to the vehicle or to Ashlee. Investigators believe it was used as a false or switched plate to avoid detection. When the vehicle was returned to the rental agency in Lompoc California, the assigned California plate was on the vehicle.
Detectives have now confirmed that Melodee was last seen along the return route via video surveillance on October 9, 2025, in the region between the Colorado–Utah border. Investigators are working to fill gaps in the timeline for that date and are working with law enforcement agencies in Colorado, Utah, Arizona, Nevada, and Southern California for assistance in reaching the members of their communities.

Investigators believe the Malibu traveled through the following areas on or around October 9, 2025:

• Green River, Utah
• Panguitch, Utah
• Northwest Arizona
• Primm, Nevada
• Rancho Cucamonga, California

The Sheriff’s Office is sharing a map of the vehicle’s stops and urges anyone in those communities to check surveillance and report relevant information. Detectives are seeking anyone who may have had contact with Ashlee or Melodee at any point from October 9-10, 2025, or any video footage from their route of travel.

Investigators are sharing additional surveillance images of Ashlee and Melodee that were captured at a rental car location in Lompoc California at the start of the road trip on October 7, 2025. Both Ashlee and Melodee appear to be wearing wigs with Melodee’s appearing darker and straighter than her natural hair. Melodee Buzzard is described as a 9-year-old female, approximately 4 feet 6 inches tall, 60 pounds, with brown curly hair and brown eyes.
Detectives are asking anyone who has seen Melodee or has information about her whereabouts to contact the Sheriff’s Office through one of the following methods:

• Detectives Line: (805) 681-4150
• Anonymous Tip Line: (805) 681-4171
• Online Tips: www.sbsheriff.org/home/anonymous-tip/

Detectives will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available that does not compromise the integrity of the investigation.
filed under: Breaking News, General, Missing Person

 

[Guess Who]

I wonder when the owner of the NY plates was first missing their plates. Were they in NE, KS etc in that timeframe. Maybe they can get video of where she acquired them, if that's when she got them.

She was definitely up to "something" that she was trying to cover up.

 

[GrandmaBear]

There is another alert that gives more detail and another photo including mum. She apparently used a false plate for some of that return journey. WTH was she up to?

Update in Ongoing Search for Melodee Buzzard- Investigative Focus on October 9 Travel Route – Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office

Proud to Protect and Serve Santa Barbara County The men and women of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office are proud to protect the people of this beautiful county. Our dedicated team of professionals uphold our five core values, integrity, caring, courage, fairness and service, in all that...

www.sbsheriff.org

Update in Ongoing Search for Melodee Buzzard- Investigative Focus on October 9 Travel Route​

Posted November 3, 2025
Lompoc, Calif. – Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s detectives are sharing additional information, a route map, and photo that includes Ashlee Buzzard in their ongoing search for missing at-risk 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard.
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office began investigating on October 14, 2025, when a school administrator reported Melodee’s prolonged absence. Deputies attempted to locate Melodee and her mother, Ashlee at their residence in Lompoc, California, but were only able to speak with Ashlee who provided no verifiable explanation for Melodee’s whereabouts. A search of the residence confirmed that Melodee was not there. Ashlee has remained uncooperative and has not confirmed Melodee’s location or welfare.
Through their investigation, detectives have confirmed that Ashlee left California with Melodee in a white 2024 Chevrolet Malibu, initially bearing California license plate 9MNG101, on October 7, 2025. Detectives believe that Ashlee and Melodee travelled as far as Nebraska, with a return trip that included Kansas. Beginning October 8, 2025, the Malibu was observed with a New York license plate HCG9677. It is unknown when the plate was installed or whether additional plates were used at other times during travel. The New York plate seen on the car does not belong to the vehicle or to Ashlee. Investigators believe it was used as a false or switched plate to avoid detection. When the vehicle was returned to the rental agency in Lompoc California, the assigned California plate was on the vehicle.
Detectives have now confirmed that Melodee was last seen along the return route via video surveillance on October 9, 2025, in the region between the Colorado–Utah border. Investigators are working to fill gaps in the timeline for that date and are working with law enforcement agencies in Colorado, Utah, Arizona, Nevada, and Southern California for assistance in reaching the members of their communities.

Investigators believe the Malibu traveled through the following areas on or around October 9, 2025:

• Green River, Utah
• Panguitch, Utah
• Northwest Arizona
• Primm, Nevada
• Rancho Cucamonga, California

The Sheriff’s Office is sharing a map of the vehicle’s stops and urges anyone in those communities to check surveillance and report relevant information. Detectives are seeking anyone who may have had contact with Ashlee or Melodee at any point from October 9-10, 2025, or any video footage from their route of travel.

Investigators are sharing additional surveillance images of Ashlee and Melodee that were captured at a rental car location in Lompoc California at the start of the road trip on October 7, 2025. Both Ashlee and Melodee appear to be wearing wigs with Melodee’s appearing darker and straighter than her natural hair. Melodee Buzzard is described as a 9-year-old female, approximately 4 feet 6 inches tall, 60 pounds, with brown curly hair and brown eyes.
Detectives are asking anyone who has seen Melodee or has information about her whereabouts to contact the Sheriff’s Office through one of the following methods:

• Detectives Line: (805) 681-4150
• Anonymous Tip Line: (805) 681-4171
• Online Tips: www.sbsheriff.org/home/anonymous-tip/

Detectives will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available that does not compromise the integrity of the investigation.
filed under: Breaking News, General, Missing Person

Seeing mom in the pic does help with perspective as to the height of the other individual which presumably is Melodee. I had never seen mom in the photo until now and I also had not previously heard this about the license plate nor the Colorado/Utah/Nevada area, etc. They seem to think Melodee was with yet on the 9th to 10th as they ask for anyone in those areas for info on both mom and daughter or sightings...

Mom sure does not have her head or anything covered if trying to avoid detection... She is not hovering near Melodee whatsoever, just an observation.

A NY plate, wth?? How are they sure if they saw a car with a NY plate that it was indeed the same car? They must have video or something confirming that with at least Ashlee with the car no?

How did she get access to a NY plate that was not hers? Did she have it with her when she left CA or take one off a car somewhere along the route? Kind of risky as it does take a few minutes to get one off. Who did the plate come back to? I'm sure LE knows.

Not a good sign as I guess changing plates would be an attempt to throw off sightings of the car...

It is still odd to me she went as far as she did and that the child was still alive when she left on this date. Most cases, the parent would be transporting a body when doing something like this.

Another thing people are saying is that the face on the second individual is too old to be that of Melodee and is that of an adult. It's hard to tell and I can't enlarge enough to tell, no good at doing that myself.

 

[Tresir]

I just reread the article upthread that had Ashlee's mother talking. She mentioned she has relatives in Ohio. So I did this distance map on Google and the top route is the one that Ashlee appeared to have taken as far as Nebraska. So I am wondering if she met a relative halfway and handed Melodee over. That seems to me to be the only possible reason she would head to Nebraska. Regarding the NY plates, maybe they are hers and she is a drug runner or she borrowed them or maybe they are fake. I'm sure the FBI will certainly know by now.