New details revealed in search for missing California girl

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office shared new information Monday in its search for Melodee Buzzard, who at one point had not been seen for more than a year, including clues that the 9-year-old was likely with her mother earlier this month.

“Through their investigation, detectives have gathered evidence indicating that Melodee was with her mother, Ashlee Buzzard, as recently as October 7, 2025,” the Sheriff’s Office stated in the update.

No further information about the evidence or where the two may have been at the time was provided in the update.

Investigators did say that Ashley Buzzard may have driven a White Chevrolet Malibu with California license plate number 9MNG101, taking Melodee with her to locations as far as the state of Nebraska.

“The vehicle was determined to be a rental car no longer in Ashlee’s possession,” the Sheriff’s Office said.

Last week, authorities revealed that Ashley Buzzard was not cooperating with investigators. They also noted that their call for public assistance had netted at least one potential lead and a confirmed sighting this year.

Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Raquel Zick said that detectives had confirmed that Melodee was seen as recently as August 2025, but did not provide further details.

In Monday’s update, the Sheriff’s Office said that Ashley Buzzard was still being uncooperative and had “not provided detectives with any information about Melodee’s current location or condition.”

Melodee, who is homeschooled, lived in Vandenberg Village, a small community adjacent to Lompoc in northern Santa Barbara County.

Anyone who has seen Melodee Buzzard, or has had contact with Ashlee Buzzard since Oct. 7 was urged to contact the Sheriff’s Criminal Investigations Division at 805-681-4150.

Those wishing to remain anonymous can provide information through the Sheriff’s Office tip line at 805-681-4171 or online.