The FBI has joined the search for nine-year-old Melodee Buzzard, who has been missing from Santa Barbara County since August. Melodee, from Lompoc, California, was last seen in August 2025, according to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office. The search intensified after a school official reported her prolonged absence from an independent studies program.
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, with help from the Lompoc Unified School District, confirmed Melodee’s last sighting in August. Her mother, Ashlee Buzzard, has not cooperated with the investigation, and authorities have not received any verified information about Melodee’s current whereabouts. The case is being treated as a missing person investigation, not a criminal one, but authorities have described the situation as suspicious.
Community members have rallied to support the search efforts, with signs reading “Where is Melodee” appearing around the girl’s home. On Sunday, dozens gathered outside the Buzzard residence on Mars Avenue, demanding answers from Ashlee. Corinna Meza, Melodee’s half-sister, expressed the community’s concern, saying, “We’re all looking for answers… we’re here for Melodee.”
Despite the community’s involvement, the sheriff’s office has urged residents not to conduct their own searches, as it could interfere with ongoing investigations. A search warrant executed at Ashlee’s home did not yield any clues about Melodee’s whereabouts. Neighbors reported seeing signs of activity at the home, despite deputies stating Ashlee had not been there for 48 hours.
In recent developments, the sheriff’s office confirmed that Melodee was seen with her mother as recently as October 7. Ashlee reportedly drove a rented white Chevrolet Malibu, which she no longer possesses, possibly traveling as far as Nebraska. The FBI’s involvement aims to enhance the search efforts and ensure Melodee’s safety.
Authorities continue to seek tips from the public. Anyone with information about Melodee or her mother’s whereabouts since October 7 is urged to contact the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Criminal Investigations Division at (805) 681-4150. Anonymous tips can be submitted online at SBSheriff.org.
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