Copyright Newsweek
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office provided an updated timeline and new information on the disappearance of 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard on Friday as the search continues. The Context Officials began investigating after a school administrator reported Buzzard’s extended absence. The sheriff’s office said it is focusing on a three-day period, at the conclusion of which Melodee’s mother, 35-year-old Ashlee Buzzard, returned to her home without Melodee. The sheriff’s office said Ashlee has been “uncooperative” and has not provided any information about her daughter’s location or well-being. Melodee is described as approximately 4-foot-6, weighing 60 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. Melodee’s father, Rubiell Meza, died when she was a baby, KEYT reported. Bridgett Truitt, Meza’s sister and Melodee's aunt, told the outlet that Ashlee had not let the family see Melodee for a few years. October 7: Melodee Buzzard Sighting The Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office said Melodee and Ashley were seen on October 7. Officials released surveillance images from a local car rental business taken that day. Melodee is wearing a hooded sweatshirt with the hood pulled up. The sheriff’s office said she is wearing what appears to be a darker, straighter wig than her natural hair. “Investigators believe the wig may have been used to alter her appearance. Detectives also note that Ashlee is known to wear wigs,” the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s office said. The sheriff's office said October 7 was also the beginning of a three-day road trip to Nebraska. October 10: Ashlee Buzzard Returns Home Without Daughter The Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office said Ashlee returned home from the trip on October 10 in the same rental vehicle she left in. Melodee was not in the car. Officials said the return trip included the state of Kansas. “Detectives are now focused on determining where Melodee was during those three days and where she may be now,” the sheriff’s office said. October 14: School Reports Melodee Buzzard’s Absence A school administrator reported Melodee’s extended absence to officials on October 14. Deputies responded to the child’s home in the 500 block of Mars Avenue in Lompoc. Deputies found Ashlee at the home, but Melodee was not present. The sheriff’s office said Ashlee had “no verifiable explanation” for Melodee’s whereabouts. October 15: Search Executed at Home Detectives served a search warrant at Melodee’s residence on October 15. Melodee was not located at the home. October 18: FBI Joins Investigation The FBI joined the investigation on October 18. What People Are Saying Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown, in a statement: “Our detectives are following every lead in this case. We continue to seek information from the public that could help us find Melodee. We remain determined to bring her home safely.” Bridgett Truitt, Melodee Buzzard's aunt, in comments to KEYT: “We never stopped thinking about her or loving her or praying for her." What Happens Next The search for Melodee is continuing. The sheriff’s office said detectives will provide updates “as new information becomes available that does not compromise the integrity of the investigation.” Anyone with information is asked to contact the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office via the detectives' line at (805) 681-4150 or the anonymous tip line at (805) 681-4171. Tips can also be submitted online. “Members of the public are asked not to conduct independent searches or investigations, as doing so could interfere with law enforcement efforts. The best way to help is by sharing factual information directly with detectives,” the sheriff’s office said.
