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

 

[GrandmaBear]

The baby teeth in the first pic is why I wish she'd been smiling with her mouth open in the other one. Her perfect little teeth are notable in the first pic.

 

[Guess Who]

It looks like this picture may be more recent. Possibly. Hard to tell with the angle but her face looks older.
View attachment 27376

Missing Vandenberg Village girl seen as recently as August, officials say

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office announced Tuesday that a search for Melodee Buzzard, 9, had been launched after a school administrator reported her absence for a prolonged period of time.

www.ksby.com

Extended family members said they also did not have recent photos of the girl due to her mother not allowing them to see her for more than four years now.

My understanding of how the independent study program here works and how it's different from officially home schooling is that the student is still enrolled as a student of the district, but does their work remotely. This is what the travel nurses I know have their kids enrolled in. My question now is when was her last login?

According to the Lompoc Unified School District, that's when Melodee Buzzard and her mother visited a school site to register for an independent study program.

 

[Guess Who]

This story seems to confirm my understanding of how independent study works and it was at the beginning of this school year she enrolled in it and was confirmed as being there. My question is did she ever sign in and if so, when?​

Lompoc school district narrows timeline in case of missing 9-year-old, Melodee Buzzard

The Lompoc Unified School District said Friday that 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard, missing from Vandenberg Village, was first enrolled in the district just two months ago and was last seen in

lompocrecord.com

​

Lompoc school district narrows timeline in case of missing 9-year-old, Melodee Buzzard​

The Lompoc Unified School District said Friday that 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard, missing from Vandenberg Village, was first enrolled in the district just two months ago and was last seen in August, narrowing the timeline in a case that has drawn widespread attention.
In a written statement released Friday afternoon, district officials said Melodee and her mother, Ashlee Buzzard, visited Mission Valley Independent School in August to begin the registration process for independent study, a program in which students complete coursework off campus under teacher supervision.
“We appreciate our staff’s care, vigilance, and procedural follow-through, which accelerated the appropriate next steps,” the district said, crediting employees for acting promptly once concerns arose.

Lompoc Unified noted that some early reports suggesting Melodee had been missing since 2024 were inaccurate, and that staff had followed required procedures after noticing the child had not attended or collected assignments.
Under California education law, independent-study programs require ongoing contact between families and credentialed teachers. If a student does not begin attendance or fails to engage, schools must initiate truancy protocols — including phone calls, written notices, and welfare checks requested through law enforcement.
The district said it could not share the information earlier at the request of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, which is leading the investigation.
Superintendent Dr. Clara Finneran could not be reached for additional comment.
The Sheriff’s Office confirmed the August sighting and credited the district with helping investigators narrow the case timeline.
“Lompoc Unified District deserves credit for recognizing that something wasn’t right, reaching out, and continuing to assist with this investigation,” said Lt. Chris Gotschall, of the Criminal Investigations Division. “This important update helps narrow a significant gap in the timeline of when she was last known to be seen, and because of that, we’re closer to understanding what happened to Melodee.”
Detectives said Melodee’s mother, Ashlee Buzzard, has been uncooperative, and no verified information has been received regarding the child’s current whereabouts.

The case began Tuesday, when a district administrator reported concern over Melodee’s prolonged absence. Deputies went to the family’s home in the 500 block of Mars Avenue in Vandenberg Village but were unable to locate the child.
Melodee’s father, Rolando Rubiell “Pinoy” Meza, died in 2016 in a motorcycle crash in Santa Maria, leaving Melodee in her mother’s care.
Family members and friends have expressed concern online.
Lizabeth Meza, who is identified as Melodee’s aunt, said the family had not seen the child for about 4½ years and that Child Welfare Services is actively investigating.
“I get this is extremely confusing and the timeline is wild,” she said. “Unfortunately, after my brother-in-law passed away the family was unable to see or have contact with Melodee. The mom is extremely mentally unstable and last time we seen Melodee was about 4.5 years ago.”
A Santa Maria woman identifying herself as Meza’s former girlfriend also posted that Ashlee Buzzard has long battled mental health challenges and asked for prayers for Melodee’s safety.
On Friday afternoon, no vehicles were visible at the home on Mars Avenue. A television news crew remained parked across the street, and a security camera was visible at a neighboring residence.
The Sheriff’s Office has not released additional details about the events leading to the discovery of Melodee’s absence but said detectives continue to pursue all leads.
Anyone with information on Melodee Buzzard’s whereabouts is urged to contact Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s detectives at 805-681-4150, or submit an anonymous tip at 805- 681-4171 or SBSheriff.org.

 

[GrandmaBear]

It sounds as if the parents were not together or married. That seems further confirmed because Melodee did not have her father's last name. The last time his family saw her was since his death so I wonder if she did let the child see them 4.5 years ago or did they just run into mom and daughter at a store or something?

It is worrisome that both one of his family members and a former gf of the father say the mom is mentally unstable. I try not to take such things with more than a grain of salt as many men say that about a woman they were involved with after the fact. However, if TRUE, that is worrisome with regard to the missing Melodee.

The school really had the initial date wrong and they kind of brush over how that happened but at least they now tightened up the timeline.

The mom seems to come and go a fair amount, is she going to a job or avoiding bill collectors, LE and press? And if so, where does she go? To someone's house? Does she have a boyfriend? No one to date has mentioned her family or any bf. But then honestly, it is only his family or his ex talking. While them not seeing her for 4.5 years sounds striking every time I hear it, it really means nothing. Melodee has not been missing for years and was seen as recently as August of this year. There may have well been acrimony between the couple and his family. By couple I mean Melodee's mom and dad. Again it sounds as if her parents were not together when he died.

We honestly don't know anything in this one except the last time seen. LE is sharing nothing and there is really nothing to gain from things his family have said.

This one DOES say the mother is not cooperating, always a bad sign imo. In other articles it always said the mother didn't give a clear explanation as to where her daughter was.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

FBI assisting with case of missing Vandenberg Village girl

A few dozen people from the community came together late Sunday afternoon, pushing for answers from the young girl’s mom.

www.ksby.com

Community members demanding answers from mother of missing Vandenberg Village girl​

Signs with “Where is Melodee” written on both sides now line the front of the 9-year-old’s Vandenberg Village home.

A few dozen people from the community came together along Mars Avenue late Sunday afternoon, pushing for answers from the young girl’s mom.

Authorities say Melodee’s mother, Ashlee Buzzard, has been uncooperative with the investigation, adding that a search warrant served at the home last week did not yield answers as to where the girl is.


“We’re all looking for answers, but you know, we’re showing up today so that way, you know, she (Ashlee) knows we care, we’re here for Melodee and hopefully she (Ashlee) will come out and tell us where she’s at,” said Corinna Meza, Melodee’s half sister. Their father died in a crash when Melodee was a baby.

Sheriff’s deputies made a few stops during Sunday’s gathering, at one point briefly addressing the crowd, saying they do not believe Ashlee has been home in the past 48 hours.

Neighbors strongly disagree, telling KSBY Community Reporter Crystal Bermudez they’ve seen signs of activity.

“Besides the garage been open almost 48 hours, which, we don’t know if she knows or not, she was burning something in the fireplace last night, but paper was coming out,” said Kacey Monreal, whose parents live nextdoor to the missing girl’s home.

The garage door has since been closed.

Tensions rose Sunday as families demanded immediate information, saying in unison, “Where is Melodee?” and "We want answers," over and over outside the home.

 

[Mel70]

View attachment 27348

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

Such a beautiful little girl. She looks so happy in the picture.

 

[Mel70]

I have the probably futile hope that she does not want to be in trouble for receiving benefits for a child she doesn't have but that the child is elsewhere. This would explain her not wanting to provide an answer as to where she is. If she is not living with her, she should not be receive benefits, whether through SS or other assistance.

She already has bill collectors after her and she may not want to face possible jail if falsely receiving benefits.

However, I also worry the case will turn out as most others do, just hoping not.

I hope not either. But, unfortunately it seems so much like other cases that didn't end well.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Getting closer...

Missing Vandenberg Village girl seen with mother earlier this month, authorities say

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office announced Monday morning that detectives have confirmed Melodee Buzzard, 9, was seen with her mother, Ashlee Buzzard, as recently as Oct. 7.

www.ksby.com

Missing Vandenberg Village girl seen with mother earlier this month, authorities say​

The search for a missing Vandenberg Village girl has extended to Nebraska.

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office announced Monday morning that detectives have confirmed Melodee Buzzard, 9, was seen with her mother, Ashlee Buzzard, as recently as Oct. 7.

The sheriff’s office states Ashlee may have driven her daughter in a rented White Chevrolet Malibu with a license plate number of 9MNG101 to locations as far as Nebraska. Authorities say Ashlee no longer has possession of the vehicle.

“At this point in the investigation, Ashlee Buzzard remains uncooperative and has not provided detectives with any information about Melodee’s current location or condition. The primary goal of this investigation is to verify the location and welfare of Melodee Buzzard and ensure that she is safe,” the sheriff’s office stated in a press release.


Authorities are now asking anyone who has seen Melodee or had contact with her mother since Oct. 7 to contact the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Criminal Investigations Division at (805) 681-4150. Anonymous tips can be made through the tip line at (805) 681-4171 or online at Anonymous Tip – Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

FBI joins search for missing 9-year-old Santa Barbara County girl

Melodee Buzzard has not been seen since August, authorities said. They say that her mother has been uncooperative with their investigation.

www.cbsnews.com

FBI joins search for missing 9-year-old Santa Barbara County girl​

FBI investigators have announced their part in the ongoing search for a 9-year-old girl missing from Santa Barbara County.

On Sunday night, the FBI's Los Angeles office posted on X to share that they are assisting Santa Barbara County authorities with the ongoing search.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Is there family in Nebraska? Was this verified by people or by cameras? She went "as far as Nebraska" with her mother... Was the mother seen "past" Nebraska without her? Or did she just not return with her? No longer in possession of the vehicle... rental car / sold car / abandoned car?

 

[Kimster]

FBI assisting with case of missing Vandenberg Village girl

A few dozen people from the community came together late Sunday afternoon, pushing for answers from the young girl’s mom.

www.ksby.com

Community members demanding answers from mother of missing Vandenberg Village girl​

Signs with “Where is Melodee” written on both sides now line the front of the 9-year-old’s Vandenberg Village home.

A few dozen people from the community came together along Mars Avenue late Sunday afternoon, pushing for answers from the young girl’s mom.

Authorities say Melodee’s mother, Ashlee Buzzard, has been uncooperative with the investigation, adding that a search warrant served at the home last week did not yield answers as to where the girl is.


“We’re all looking for answers, but you know, we’re showing up today so that way, you know, she (Ashlee) knows we care, we’re here for Melodee and hopefully she (Ashlee) will come out and tell us where she’s at,” said Corinna Meza, Melodee’s half sister. Their father died in a crash when Melodee was a baby.

Sheriff’s deputies made a few stops during Sunday’s gathering, at one point briefly addressing the crowd, saying they do not believe Ashlee has been home in the past 48 hours.

Neighbors strongly disagree, telling KSBY Community Reporter Crystal Bermudez they’ve seen signs of activity.

“Besides the garage been open almost 48 hours, which, we don’t know if she knows or not, she was burning something in the fireplace last night, but paper was coming out,” said Kacey Monreal, whose parents live nextdoor to the missing girl’s home.

The garage door has since been closed.

Tensions rose Sunday as families demanded immediate information, saying in unison, “Where is Melodee?” and "We want answers," over and over outside the home.


View attachment 27421View attachment 27420

This reminds me of what they did to Casey Anthony

 

[Kimster]

Is there family in Nebraska? Was this verified by people or by cameras? She went "as far as Nebraska" with her mother... Was the mother seen "past" Nebraska without her? Or did she just not return with her? No longer in possession of the vehicle... rental car / sold car / abandoned car?

I want to know what her ties to Nebraska are. Was Melodee left there somewhere?

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

A few more answers. Also speaks to mom's previous mental health issues.

Grandmother has message for missing Vandenberg Village girl

On Monday, KSBY News reporter Crystal Bermudez sat down with the Vandenberg Village girl’s grandmother, who is speaking publicly for the first time since Melodee Buzzard's disappearance.

www.ksby.com

On Monday, Santa Barbara County Sheriff's officials reported that investigators believe Ashlee drove her daughter to Nebraska in a white Chevy Malibu earlier this month before returning to California.

"We want the public to think back to the 7th to the 14th. Did you see a mom and a daughter in this vehicle?" said Raquel Zick, a spokesperson with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office.

Miranda says she has family as far as Ohio, but does not know anyone in Nebraska.

Due to the case crossing state lines, the FBI is now assisting.

 

[Kimster]

A few more answers. Also speaks to mom's previous mental health issues.

Grandmother has message for missing Vandenberg Village girl

On Monday, KSBY News reporter Crystal Bermudez sat down with the Vandenberg Village girl’s grandmother, who is speaking publicly for the first time since Melodee Buzzard's disappearance.

www.ksby.com

On Monday, Santa Barbara County Sheriff's officials reported that investigators believe Ashlee drove her daughter to Nebraska in a white Chevy Malibu earlier this month before returning to California.

"We want the public to think back to the 7th to the 14th. Did you see a mom and a daughter in this vehicle?" said Raquel Zick, a spokesperson with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office.

Miranda says she has family as far as Ohio, but does not know anyone in Nebraska.

Due to the case crossing state lines, the FBI is now assisting.

This is literally making me sick. I read the article and I can’t believe that someone who is that mentally ill was allowed to be alone with a child without anyone checking in at all.

 

[GrandmaBear]

On the bright side the child was last seen on October 7th and she was reported missing on the 7th and so there is no window of missing there, but now she apparently is.

Finally her own mother is mentioned. Her own mother (grandma) is seeing a psychologist and hadn't seen the child for a year or maybe two plus I think it said. Yet she had gifts for her 9th birthday so must have hoped to see her.

It gives me some hope again for her as she was seen right up to the date said to be missing. Could she have been meeting a relative partway in Nebraska for them to take the child or is there a friend or relative in Nebraska grandma doesn't know about?

Hopefully the report of her missing did not trigger something since apparently she was alive and well up to then.

A more worrisome thought is if she was malnourished or abused or neglected the mother may have needed to cover that fact when she realized they were looking for her. However, whoever sighted them on the 7th (or video camera) would show what condition the child was in so they know if she was fine or not physically and in what general condition.

There really isn't anything in this case thus far to call it any crime and they said as much not being able to investigate it as criminal thus far. She also has had the child for quite a few years full time since the dad died with the child surviving as far as we know just fine. Again she was last seen on the same day as reported missing so no window of missing time existed when reported. These are all reasons I am maintaining some hope in this one, a rare thing.

Yet she has failed to produce the child when asked or to cooperate and that is worrisome.

This negates her collecting any benefits unlawfully as the child apparently has been with her all of this time, until at least after the 7th.

 

[Tresir]

So they have the reg number of the rental so must know when and where it was returned right?

Plus her phone records should show her movements. I just don't understand why they cannot track the movements since the 7th.

 

[GrandmaBear]

So they have the reg number of the rental so must know when and where it was returned right?

Plus her phone records should show her movements. I just don't understand why they cannot track the movements since the 7th.

I must have missed that the car was a rental.

Since they have no evidence of a crime, my guess is they can't do a lot in getting warrants like re her phone, etc.

 

[Kimster]

So they have the reg number of the rental so must know when and where it was returned right?

Plus her phone records should show her movements. I just don't understand why they cannot track the movements since the 7th.

The FBI doesn’t talk about what they’re doing. I’m hoping that that’s exactly what they’re working on.

 

[GrandmaBear]

Hopefully FBI involvement will rattle the mother and she will cooperate. I know I'd be scared were I her.

The fact remains, however, that to date she has not broken any laws that we are aware of.

If the paper neighbors saw handed to her by LE is a demand to produce the child or some such, once she doesn't, then she has violated a court order and I would imagine they coud do more. IF that's what it was.

 

[GrandmaBear]

However, do they even have enough basis to do that? Hard to say. Imo.