The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has joined the search for 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard, who has been reported missing from Lompoc, California. The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office announced the FBI’s involvement on October 18, following the initial investigation that began on October 14.
Melodee Buzzard is described as approximately 4 feet 6 inches tall and weighing around 60 pounds. She has brown hair and brown eyes. The most recent verified photograph of her dates back about two years, and authorities note her appearance may have changed since then.
The investigation commenced after a school administrator reported Melodee’s absence from school. Her mother, Ashlee Buzzard, has reportedly been uncooperative with law enforcement during the investigation. Signs have been placed along the 500 block of Mars Avenue in Lompoc, calling for information about Melodee’s whereabouts.
Sheriff’s officials confirmed that Melodee was last seen with her mother on October 7, and there are indications that Ashlee may have taken her across state lines, potentially as far as Nebraska, in a white Chevrolet Malibu rental car with the license plate 9MNG101.
Sheriff Bill Brown expressed hope that Melodee might be with someone who is unaware of her disappearance, such as an extended family member or friend. This hope underscores the community’s determination to locate the young girl safely.
Lizabeth Meza, who claims to be Melodee’s aunt, has made social media posts alleging that Ashlee Buzzard is mentally unstable and that she has not seen Melodee in over four years.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about Melodee Buzzard to come forward and assist detectives with any details they might have that could aid in her safe return. The collaboration between the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI highlights the seriousness of the situation and the collective effort to resolve it swiftly.