Investigators: License Plate Swap Hid Car of Missing California Girl
Authorities are investigating the case of a missing 9-year-old California girl, Melodee Buzzard, who vanished during a road trip with her mother. Recent findings indicate that the rental car they used may have had its license plate swapped to avoid detection.
Timeline of Events
- October 7, 2023: Melodee’s mother, Ashlee Buzzard, rented a white Chevrolet Malibu for a three-day trip.
- October 8, 2023: Security footage captured Melodee wearing a wig, suggesting they attempted to disguise her appearance.
- October 9, 2023: Melodee was last seen near the Colorado-Utah border.
- October 10, 2023: Ashlee returned home to Lompoc, California, without Melodee.
- October 14, 2023: The Lompoc Unified School District reported Melodee’s extended absence, triggering the search.
License Plate Confusion
Investigators, from the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, revealed that the Malibu was seen with a New York state license plate. This plate, they determined, did not belong to the car or Ashlee, and was likely used to evade tracking. When the vehicle was returned to the rental agency, the correct California plate was on the vehicle.
Investigation and Searches
In ongoing efforts, authorities, along with FBI agents, have conducted searches of Ashlee and Melodee’s residence multiple times. They also inspected a storage locker belonging to Ashlee and the rental car, confirming that Melodee was not present at the home. Ashlee has reportedly been uncooperative regarding her daughter’s location.
Locations Traveled
During the return journey from their trip, the rental car likely passed through several key locations:
- Green River, Utah
- Panguitch, Utah
- Northwest Arizona
- Primm, Nevada
- Rancho Cucamonga, California
Public Assistance Requested
Authorities are urging anyone who may have seen Ashlee or Melodee Buzzard between October 9 and October 10 to reach out. Melodee is described as being 4 feet 6 inches tall, weighing 60 pounds, with curly brown hair and brown eyes. The sheriff’s office continues to work with law enforcement agencies in various states to gather more information.
