Mother of Missing Girl Melodee Buzzard Arrested on Separate Charges
Authorities have arrested Ashlee Buzzard, the mother of the missing 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard. The arrest took place on November 7, 2025, in Vandenberg Village, California. She faces felony charges of false imprisonment unrelated to the ongoing search for her daughter.
Details of the Arrest
Ashlee Buzzard was taken into custody by Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s officials and led away from her home. The arrest followed an incident in which she allegedly prevented a victim from leaving against their will. The details of that incident remain undisclosed.
Investigation into Melodee’s Disappearance
Melodee Buzzard has been missing since October 14, when her prolonged absence was reported by the Lompoc Unified School District. Sheriff’s officials have concentrated their investigation on the timeframe between October 9 and October 10, during which Ashlee and Melodee reportedly went on a multi-state trip to Nebraska.
- October 9, 2025: Melodee was seen on surveillance near the Colorado-Utah border.
- October 10, 2025: Ashlee returned home without Melodee.
Car Rental and Evidence
Investigators believe Ashlee rented a white 2024 Chevrolet Malibu with California plates. The license plate was reportedly switched to a New York plate during the trip. The sheriff’s office recently released a 10-second video showing Ashlee and Melodee at a car rental business on October 7.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| October 7, 2025 | Ashlee and Melodee rent a car in Lompoc. |
| October 9, 2025 | Melodee seen on surveillance video. |
| October 10, 2025 | Ashlee returns home without Melodee. |
| November 7, 2025 | Ashlee Buzzard arrested. |
Description of Melodee Buzzard
Melodee is described as approximately 4 feet 6 inches tall, weighing around 60 pounds, with curly brown hair and brown eyes. Anyone who has information regarding her whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Detectives at (805) 681-4150. Anonymous tips can be submitted at (805) 681-4171 or through the sheriff’s website.
