‘We Just Want Her Safe’: New Clues Emerge In Case Of Missing CA Girl

SANTA BARBARA, CA — New details were released Monday in the case of a girl who has been missing for more than a year from Santa Barbara County.

Melodee Buzzard, 9, who lived in Vandenberg Village, near Lompoc, may have been seen as recently as Oct. 7, according to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office.

Detectives say Melodee was seen with her mother, Ashlee Buzzard, who may have driven her in a White Chevrolet Malibu (Lic #9MNG101) as far as the state of Nebraska.

Authorities said the girl's mother has not cooperated with the investigation. For example, the department said she has not provided detectives with information about Melodee's current location or condition.

"The primary goal of this investigation is to verify the location and welfare of Melodee Buzzard and ensure that she is safe," according to a department statement.

While the sheriff's department is seeking the public's help to assist investigators in the search, authorities are "asking the public not to attempt to conduct their own searches or investigations."

"While well-intentioned, these efforts could unintentionally interfere with investigative work already in progress," the department's Monday update states.

Authorities say they have conducted a thorough search of the family’s home and continue to follow verified leads.

Anyone who has seen Melodee or has had contact with Ashlee Buzzard since October of this year is urged to call the Sheriff’s Criminal Investigations Division at 805-681-4150.

Those who want to remain anonymous can provide information through the tip line at (805) 681-4171 or online at https://www.sbsheriff.org/home/anonymous-tip/.