Lompoc, Calif. – Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s detectives continue to seek the public’s help in locating 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard, who remains missing and is considered at-risk due to her age and the length of her absence.

Detectives began their investigation on October 14, 2025, when a school administrator reported Melodee’s extended absence. Deputies attempted to contact Melodee and her mother, Ashlee Buzzard, at their residence in the 500-block of Mars Avenue in Lompoc, but Melodee was not home and there was no verifiable explanation for her whereabouts.

Through their ongoing investigation, detectives have found evidence that Melodee was with her mother as recently as October 7, 2025. Investigators have also determined that Ashlee may have traveled with Melodee anywhere between Lompoc and the state of Nebraska.

At this stage, Ashlee remains uncooperative and has not provided any information about Melodee’s current location or welfare.

Detectives are coordinating with local, state, and federal partners. The FBI joined the investigation on Saturday, October 18, 2025. Searches have already been conducted at the family’s residence and surrounding areas, and detectives continue to follow every credible lead.

“The Sheriff’s Office shares the community’s concern for Melodee’s safety and is committed to bringing her home,” said Sheriff Bill Brown. “We are grateful to the media for disseminating Melodee’s photo and the information surrounding her disappearance far and wide, which we hope will help us solve this perplexing case. We are hopeful that Melodee might be with someone – perhaps an extended family member or friend – who may not be aware of the circumstances of her disappearance.”

The Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone who has information on Melodee Buzzard’s possible whereabouts to contact detectives immediately via the following means:

• Detectives Line: (805) 681-4150
• Anonymous Tip Line: (805) 681-4171
• Online Tips: SBSheriff.org

Members of the public are strongly discouraged from conducting their own searches or investigations, as doing so could disrupt or duplicate ongoing law-enforcement operations. The most effective way to help is by sharing factual information directly with detectives.

The most recent verified photo of Melodee is approximately two years old. She is a 9-year-old female, approximately 4’6” and 60 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. Investigators note that her appearance may have changed since the time the photo was taken.

Detectives will continue to provide updates as information becomes available that will not compromise the investigation. The Sheriff’s Office is providing a timeline of this case to demonstrate the progress and timeline of events in this search.