The search for nine-year-old Melodee Buzzard took a startling turn when authorities arrested her mother, Ashlee Buzzard. The arrest, however, wasn’t directly linked to her daughter’s disappearance, but rather a separate, disturbing allegation. It unfolded swiftly, captured on video as law enforcement led Ashlee away from a residence, deepening the mystery surrounding Melodee’s whereabouts.
Ashlee Buzzard, 40, now faces a felony charge of false imprisonment. Detectives uncovered evidence of a recent incident where she allegedly prevented someone from leaving a location against their will. While officials stressed this crime isn’t connected to Melodee’s case, details remain tightly guarded to avoid compromising the ongoing investigation.
Melodee was last definitively seen on video in early October, embarking on a road trip with her mother. Their journey stretched as far as Nebraska, a vast distance raising increasing concerns for the young girl’s safety. The situation escalated when authorities discovered the rental car they were using had its license plates switched – a deliberate attempt to evade detection.
Bail was set at $100,000 for Ashlee Buzzard after her booking into the Northern Branch Jail. Despite this arrest, investigators are adamant that their primary focus remains solely on finding Melodee and ensuring her well-being. Every resource is dedicated to locating the missing child.
Newly released footage from a rental car location in Lompoc, California, on October 7th, offers a chilling glimpse into their travels. Both Ashlee and Melodee were wearing wigs, a detail that initially seemed peculiar. Investigators now believe this was a calculated move, part of a larger effort to disguise their identities.
The deception didn’t stop there. Authorities suspect Ashlee swapped wigs throughout the trip, even adopting a darker style similar to the one Melodee was wearing. This deliberate change in appearance suggests a concerted effort to avoid recognition while traveling, adding another layer of complexity to the case.
The investigation began on October 14th, triggered by a school administrator reporting Melodee’s prolonged absence. A visit to the family home revealed Melodee was missing, and Ashlee couldn’t provide a credible explanation for her daughter’s location. This initial lack of information quickly escalated into a full-scale search.
Melodee is described as approximately 4 feet 6 inches tall and weighing around 60 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. The FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office has joined the search, recognizing Melodee as an “at-risk” child. The urgency of the situation is palpable, as time becomes a critical factor in bringing her home safely.
