Disappearance of 9-Year-Old California Girl: License Plate Changes Under Investigation

A rental car linked to a missing 9-year-old girl from California was reportedly altered during a journey “to avoid detection,” according to police. Melody Buzzard, from Lompoc, has been unaccounted for as of Tuesday.

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office indicated that she was last spotted on October 9, 2025, near the borders of Colorado and Utah, captured on surveillance footage. Her mother, Ashley Buzzard, aged 35, is described as “uncooperative” and has not provided any information regarding Melody’s well-being.

Authorities have determined that Ashley and Melody departed California on October 7, 2025, driving a white 2024 Chevrolet Malibu registered in California. It’s believed their route may have included stops in Nebraska and Kansas.

Interestingly, since October 8, 2025, the Malibu was seen sporting New York license plates that do not correspond with the vehicle. Investigators suspect these plates were used to conceal their identity during the trip. When the car was returned to the rental service in Lompoc, it bore the original California plates.

Tracing their route, law enforcement posits that the vehicle likely traversed northwestern Arizona and various points in Utah, including Green River and Panguitch, before returning to California around October 9.

Detectives are actively seeking anyone who might have interacted with Ashley or Melody or who may possess video evidence from their travels during October 9 and 10, as stated by the sheriff’s office.

Investigation Intensifies

New surveillance images have been shared, illustrating Ashley and Melody at the rental car venue prior to their journey on October 7. The sheriff’s office noted that both appeared to be wearing wigs, although Melody’s hair appeared straighter and darker than usual.

The investigation into Melody’s disappearance officially began on October 14 after school officials took note of her extended absences. Deputies visited their home to speak with Ashley, but Melody was not present, and there was no clear explanation regarding her absence.

Authorities describe Melody as around 4 feet 6 inches tall and weighing about 60 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. The FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office is also engaged in the ongoing investigation.