Missing: Who is Ashlee Buzzard and her daughter Melodee Buzzard?

Sometimes reality feels like a mystery novel — you turn the page and expect things to make sense, but instead you find more questions. That’s very much the situation with Ashlee Buzzard and her daughter Melodee. A 9-year-old child who appears missing, a mother who isn’t cooperating, and authorities racing against time and distance. In this article we’ll walk through who they are, what’s known so far, and why this case is urgent — using plain language and clear facts so you, the reader, stay informed and alert.

Ashlee Buzzard Biography

Here’s a short table with what we know about Ashlee and Melodee:

Family & Background

Ashlee Buzzard is the mother of Melodee Buzzard. Melodee’s father passed away when she was only about 6 months old, according to her aunt. Because of that early loss, Melodee’s life has been shaped largely by her mother and extended family. Over the last several years, Melodee has been homeschooled, which meant fewer routine check-ins than traditional schooling would have provided.

Circumstances of Disappearance

Here’s how things unfolded:

• A school official realised that Melodee had been absent for a prolonged time — in fact, for many months

• The case was formally flagged around October 2025 when authorities in Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office (SBSO) turned up at the family’s residence.

• They found Ashlee present but no clear explanation for where Melodee was.

• Initially, the last confirmed sighting of Melodee was thought to be a year earlier — but later evidence suggests she may have been seen more recently.

This is not your everyday missing-child report. The gaps in information, the homeschooling situation, and a non-cooperative parent all raise red flags.

What Authorities Have Found

The SBSO has released several key findings:

• They believe Melodee was with her mother as recently as October 7, 2025.

• The mother and daughter may have travelled outside Santa Barbara County — possibly as far as Nebraska.

• A rented white Chevrolet Malibu with licence plate 9MNG101 is linked to the case.

• The home in Vandenberg Village (Lompoc, California) has been visited repeatedly by child welfare and law-enforcement. Ashlee has not sufficiently responded.

Each of these points adds another layer of complexity — and increases the urgency.

Mother’s Role: Cooperation or Not?

Ashlee Buzzard’s level of cooperation (or lack thereof) is a major focus. Authorities say she hasn’t provided meaningful information about Melodee’s whereabouts. Her extended family has expressed serious concerns — describing her as “extremely mentally unstable” and alleging that she has cut off contact with them for years.for whatever reason) to explain where her child is, making everyone else in the community watchful and worried.

Travel Across State Lines

One of the most troubling aspects: the potential for interstate travel. Investigators said Ashlee may have driven with Melodee to another state (Nebraska) in the rented white Chevrolet Malibu. This means the search is no longer purely local — it stretches across jurisdictions, making timely information even more critical.

Think of it like a ripple in a pond: what began as a local disturbance now has waves reaching far beyond the original point.

Why This Case Matters

Why should you take notice of this case? Here are several key reasons:

• Melodee is considered an “at-risk missing juvenile” — meaning her wellbeing and safety are top concerns.

• The time gap is significant: months (or even a year) without verified contact. That’s not standard.

• The mother’s lack of cooperation means the usual threads of investigation (school records, routine community check-ins) are weak or missing.

• Because travel is possible, anyone anywhere could potentially have information that helps.

In short: every hour, every piece of info counts.

What You Can Do to Help

You might ask: “Well, what can I do from where I am?” It’s a good question — and yes, you can help. Here’s how:

• If you’re in California (or anywhere else) and you have seen a child matching Melodee’s description, or have seen Ashlee in connection with her, call the SBSO tip line at (805) 681-4150.

• Want to stay anonymous? Use the tip line at (805) 681-4171 or the SBSO online anonymous tip form.

• Share the case responsibly. Spread the word with accurate info — not speculation — but don’t try to conduct your own search or investigations (which the SBSO cautions against, as it could interfere).

Even what seems like a small detail — maybe you saw a white rental car with that plate — could be the missing puzzle piece.

Community Response & Media

The local community around Lompoc, Santa Barbara County has responded with concern and action. Neighbours say they’ve observed behaviour that raised questions: for example, one saw Melodee and her mother in a park, with Melodee asking to play while her mother seemed distressed.  Media outlets have covered the story, amplifying the search and urging public vigilance. The involvement of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) also signals the intensity of the case.

When a community rallies together and stays informed, it can make a real difference.

Ongoing Investigation & Next Steps

Here’s what authorities are doing now:

• Continuing to track digital, electronic and vehicle data (smartphones, rental car records, interstate travel logs).

• Re-visiting the home and surrounding areas with child welfare teams and law-enforcement.

• Requesting public help and staying transparent about what they can share, while also warning the public to not become independent investigators.

From here, the hope is that someone will step forward with a reliable sighting or piece of data that can be verified — and then locate Melodee safely.

Conclusion

The story of Ashlee Buzzard and her daughter, Melodee, is more than just a news item. It’s a human story with unanswered questions, urgent needs, and potentially far-reaching consequences. The disappearance (or at minimum the unexplained absence) of Melodee is not just a worry for one family — it’s every community’s concern. If you find yourself thinking, “Maybe I could help,” you’re right — even small actions matter. Please stay alert, stay compassionate, and stay ready to act if you have information. Let’s hope the next update brings positive news.

FAQs

1. How old is Melodee Buzzard?
Melodee is reported to be about 9 years old in October 2025.

2. When was she last seen?
Authorities say she was with her mother as recently as October 7, 2025

3. Why are investigators concerned?
Because Melodee’s absence has been prolonged, her homeschooling status limits external oversight, and her mother is not cooperating — all which heighten concern

4. Where could they be?
Investigators believe the mother and daughter may have travelled outside Santa Barbara County — possibly as far as Nebraska — in a rented white Chevrolet Malibu.

5. What should I do if I have information?
Call the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office at (805) 681-4150, or submit an anonymous tip at (805) 681-4171 or online via the SBSO website.