Detectives Serve Additional Search Warrants in Ongoing Search for Missing Lompoc Child

Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s detectives provided an update Thursday, October 30, in their investigation into missing at-risk 9-year-old from Lompoc, Melodee Buzzard.

On Thursday, October 30, Sheriff’s detectives along with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) served follow-up search warrants at the home of Ashlee Buzzard, Melodee’s mother, in the 500-block of Mars Avenue in Lompoc, as well as a storage locker and the rental car that Melodee was last seen in.

Detectives escorted Ashlee to an alternate location that would not interfere with their ability to conduct a thorough search, in anticipation of the need for access to the residence during the search for an extended time.

This case remains a missing person investigation. There have been no arrests made in this case, the Sheriff’s Office states.

“We appreciate the FBI’s assistance in today’s searches,” said Sheriff’s Lieutenant Chris Gotschall from the Criminal Investigation Division. “In cases like this, every detail matters and it is invaluable to have additional resources and specialized expertise. Collaboration with our federal partners allows us to ensure we’re using every available tool to help bring resolution to this case.”

The investigation into Melodee’s disappearance began on October 14, 2025, after a school administrator reported her prolonged absence. With the assistance of Lompoc Unified School District, detectives confirmed that Melodee was seen as recently as August 2025.

“Lompoc Unified School District deserves credit for recognizing that something wasn’t right, reaching out, and continuing to assist with this investigation” said Lieutenant Gotschall. “This important update helps narrow a significant gap in the timeline of when she was last known to be seen and because of that, we’re closer to understanding what happened to Melodee.”

Deputies contacted her mother, 35-year-old Ashlee Buzzard, at their Lompoc residence. The Sheriff’s Office said Buzzard’s daughter was not found at her home, and no clear explanation was given about her whereabouts. 

On October 20th through 24th, the Sheriff’s Office has released information and updated timelines connected to Melodee’s disappearance. 

During that time detectives determined that Ashlee may have driven with Melodee in a White Chevrolet Malibu (Lic #9MNG101) to locations outside of Santa Barbara County to include as far as the state of Nebraska. The vehicle was determined to be a rental car no longer in Ashlee’s possession.

Detectives narrowed the timeline to between October 7 and October 10, 2025. Investigators have confirmed that Ashlee was seen returning to her Lompoc residence on October 10, driving the same rental vehicle she departed with on October 7—but Melodee was not in the car.

Investigators understand this three-day road trip went from Lompoc to the Nebraska area, with the return trip including the state of Kansas. Detectives are now focused on determining where Melodee was during those three days and where she may be now.

As part of the October 24th update, detectives shared surveillance images of Melodee captured at a local car rental business on October 7. In the photos, Melodee is wearing a hooded sweatshirt with the hood pulled up and what appears to be a wig that is darker and straighter 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 Sheriff’s Office continues to state that Ashlee Buzzard remains uncooperative and has not provided detectives with any information about Melodee’s current location or condition. The primary goal of this investigation is to verify the location and welfare of Melodee and ensure that she is safe, reports the Sheriff’s Office.

The Daily Mail has published photos of Ashlee Buzzard, appearing to be wearing a wig and attempting to rent a car from a car rental company in Santa Maria.

“Sheriff’s detectives continue to pursue all available leads. This public outreach effort is one part of those ongoing efforts to develop information that could assist investigators. Detectives are aware of the strong community interest in Melodee’s case and are asking the public not to attempt to conduct their own searches or investigations. While well-intentioned, these efforts could unintentionally interfere with investigative work already in progress. Detectives have already conducted a thorough search of the family’s residence and continue to follow verified leads in a coordinated manner,” the Sheriff’s Office states.