The search for 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard, who has been missing since October and is believed to be at-risk, is intensifying as the FBI and local authorities reach out to the public for any helpful information. FOX 10 Phoenix reported that Melodee, from Lompoc, California, was last seen on October 9, near the Colorado-Utah border; based on vehicle tracking, the FBI elaborated that she may have passed through areas including Green River, Utah; Panguitch, Utah; Northwest Arizona; Primm, Nevada; and Rancho Cucamonga, California.
In a recent release obtained by AZ Family, detectives stated that Melodee and her mother, Ashlee Buzzard, had embarked on a road trip in a rented white Chevrolet Malibu with a fake license plate. They believe the pair made this journey as far as Nebraska, and Ashlee, potentially with Melodee, returned to California on October 9 or 10. Ashlee Buzzard was alone at home when questioned by authorities, and she provided no clear details about Melodee’s whereabouts.
Law enforcement officials described Melodee as a girl around 4 to 4'6" tall, weighing 60 to 100 pounds with brown curly hair and brown eyes, but noted her appearance might have been altered. "She may be wearing wigs and her hair may appear darker and straighter than her natural hair," the FBI stated, according to FOX 10 phoenix, indicating the possibilities of how her looks could have been intentionally changed to avoid recognition.
Anyone with potential information on the case is encouraged to step forward, and tips can be anonymously communicated to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office via their tip line at (805) 681-4171 or submitted on their website; the FBI also invites tips through their toll-free tipline at 1-800-CALLFBI or online on their website.
