In the quiet community of Vandenberg Village, California, a troubling case has come to light: 9‑year‑old Melodee Buzzard has been declared missing, and authorities say her mother, Ashlee Buzzard, has been uncooperative in the search.

Background of the Case

According to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation began in mid‑October 2025 after a school official at the Lompoc Unified School District reported Melodee’s “prolonged absence.”  Although the girl was homeschooled, records indicate she had enrolled in an independent learning program only to vanish from that program as well.

Investigators believe that Melodee may last have been seen on October 7, 2025, travelling with her mother in a rented white Chevrolet Malibu. They suspect the vehicle may have travelled as far as Nebraska.  What’s more troubling: deputies say that when they visited the residence in the 500 block of Mars Avenue in Lompoc, only Ashlee was present, and she providedno clear explanation as to where Melodee was.

Why Authorities Are Alarmed

The fact that the mother has been uncooperative: The sheriff’s office says Ashlee “has not provided detectives with any information about Melodee’s current location or condition.”

The length of Melodee’s absence: Initial reports indicated she had not been seen for as long as one year before the investigation began.

Family concerns: Melodee’s extended family say Ashlee has isolated the child from relatives for years and that Ashlee has a history of mental illness

Interstate travel: The possibility that she might have crossed state lines makes jurisdictional cooperation essential—and more complex

The Community Response

Local neighbors are growing increasingly worried and frustrated. As reported, residents formed a Facebook group to share potential sightings and tips. They held signs reading “Where is Melodee?” outside the Buzzard residence in hopes of drawing attention to the case. Meanwhile, the school district was praised by authorities for raising the alarm when Melodee failed to engage in her independent‐study program.

The Investigation Status & What’s Next

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone who has seen Melodee or had contact with Ashlee since October 7 to come forward. Even small details are deemed potentially critical.  The involvement of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has been confirmed, underscoring the seriousness of the case.Authorities also caution the public not to conduct independent searches, warning that it might interfere with the professional investigation.

Key Questions Still Unanswered

Where exactly is Melodee right now? The last confirmed sighting was with her mother on October 7—but that trail goes cold from there.

Why is Ashlee refused to cooperate or offer meaningful information? Her lack of transparency is cited as a major obstacle.

Was there foul play, or did the mother relocate the child for some reason? The nature of the disappearance remains unclear.

What role does the homeschooling/independent study program status play? Investigators noted records were lacking, making the educational oversight questionable.

Are there other potential witnesses, travel logs, or rental car records that might provide leads? The rented vehicle and its travel path may hold clues.

Why This Matters

When a child goes missing, especially one as young as nine, every minute counts. The fact that the parent—the person normally most responsible for the child—is not cooperating complicates the process, delays leads, and increases risk. Cases like this also raise broader concerns about oversight when children are removed from traditional school settings and about how isolated families might avoid detection.

For the family, for the community, and for the authorities, there is a shared goal: to find Melodee safe and sound. The longer the case remains unresolved, the more vulnerable questions and fears become.

What You Can Do

If you are in the vicinity of Santa Barbara County or Nebraska (or have travelled along the west‑to‑mid‑west corridor) and you remember seeing a white Chevrolet Malibu with rental tags, or a young girl travelling with her mother who matches Melodee’s description—please contact the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office at (805) 681‑4150. Bonus tip lines: (805) 681‑4171 (anonymous).

Whether you’re a neighbour, a passer‑by, or someone who simply “noticed something strange,” your information could help fill in the critical gaps in the timeline and lead to a safe resolution.