Mother of Missing California Girl Arrested on Unrelated Charges
Authorities in California have apprehended the mother of a missing 9-year-old girl, identified as “at risk.” Ashley Buzzard, 40, from Lompoc, is facing charges not connected to her daughter’s disappearance.
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest on Friday, charging her with felony false imprisonment. A witness captured video of the police taking her into custody at her home.
According to the sheriff’s office, detectives uncovered a recent incident where Ashley allegedly prevented someone from leaving against their will. While the arrest is part of the investigation into her daughter Melody’s case, it is not directly related to the ongoing search for her.
Changes Made to License Plate
Melody was last seen in early October on surveillance footage during a road trip with her mother, with reports suggesting they might have traveled to Nebraska. Authorities noted that the rental car’s license plate was altered “to avoid detection.”
Ashley was booked in the Santa Barbara County Northern Branch Jail, with bail set at $100,000. The sheriff’s department reassured that while this arrest was connected to a missing persons case, it does not directly relate to Melody’s disappearance. Investigators are still dedicated to finding her and ensuring her safety.
On Thursday, authorities released footage showing both Melody and Ashley at a rental car facility in Lompoc on October 7.
Ongoing Investigation
Interestingly, video evidence aligns with a previously shared still image where both were spotted wearing wigs. Investigators suspect that Ashley may have altered her appearance during the trip to evade recognition.
The case began to gain attention on October 14 when school officials reported Melody’s extended absences. Deputies went to their home and met with Ashley, but Melody was not present, and there was no clear explanation of her location.
Melody reportedly stands at about 4 feet 6 inches tall, weighs around 60 pounds, and has brown hair and brown eyes, according to police. The FBI’s Los Angeles office is assisting in the investigation, with detectives stressing that the child is “at risk.”
