Missing Girl Case: Updates on Melody Buzzard

The grandmother of missing 9-year-old Melody Buzzard revealed that she was in the process of adopting the child when her mother, Ashley Buzzard, took her shortly after being released from a psychiatric hospital in 2021.

The investigation into Melody’s disappearance began on October 14, when school officials reported she hadn’t been attending classes for a prolonged period. Deputies found that Ashley could not offer a credible account of Melody’s location.

Authorities stated that Ashley is “uncooperative” and has not confirmed her daughter’s status or well-being. Melody is currently viewed as missing and “at risk,” prompting the sheriff’s office to seek assistance from the FBI in the ongoing search.

In an interview, Melody’s paternal grandmother, Lily Deans, expressed concern over her daughter’s mental health, mentioning that social services had contacted her while Ashley was hospitalized, suggesting she could take in Melody to prevent her from entering foster care.

Deans complied but noted that after picking Melody up from school, Ashley effectively removed her from the family’s life. “We were overjoyed when we received the call from social services. But then… it all just changed. It’s like she took her away from us,” Deans reflected, describing Ashley as having a mental illness.

Since that tumultuous time, Deans stated she hasn’t seen Melody, emphasizing that Ashley has isolated her from all family contact.

Deans noted a strange feeling upon meeting Ashley. She recalled, “When I first saw her, my son brought her home, and she was just… off. I even asked my son, ‘Is this child okay?’ There was definitely something unsettling about her.” She remembers Melody being a cheerful and intelligent child.

Deans believes someone must know Melody’s whereabouts, saying, “I think someone in the world probably knows where my baby is. Someone has to know.”

Authorities reported that Ashley left California with Melody on October 7, driving a Chevrolet Malibu. This car was later spotted with altered license plates in New York, a detail which investigators believe was an attempt to evade detection. After the vehicle was returned to a rental agency in California, the original plates were found inside.

During their search, officials believe that the Malibu traveled through various states, including Arizona and Nevada, suggesting there was a period when Ashley was not with Melody. Surveillance footage has surfaced showing both Ashley and Melody in disguises, likely to avoid being recognized.

On November 7, Ashley was charged with false imprisonment related to an unrelated incident. Following this, she was released under specific conditions, including the necessity of wearing a GPS monitor.

Court officials reported on an incident where Ashley, distressed after discussing Melody’s whereabouts, locked herself in her home with a box cutter, heightening concerns for her mental state.

As for Melody, officials describe her as being between 4 to 4 feet 6 inches tall, weighing between 60 to 100 pounds, with curly brown hair and brown eyes.

If anyone has information regarding Melody’s location, they are urged to contact the authorities.