Search for Missing Child in Santa Barbara County
The mother of a nine-year-old girl who is missing and considered “at risk” has allegedly told an accused man that she knows where her daughter is located. The girl, Melody Buzzard, was reported missing on October 14 after school officials noted she hadn’t attended classes for an “extended period.” According to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, her mother, Ashley, couldn’t give a satisfactory explanation about Melody’s whereabouts when questioned by deputies. They further stated that Ashley has been uncooperative and hasn’t confirmed her daughter’s well-being.
A court worker named Tyler Brewer mentioned that Ashley provided him with some information, which he later seemed regretful about revealing. He subsequently reported that she became visibly distressed and allegedly pulled out a box cutter and locked himself in his home. Brewer stated that Ashley disclosed details regarding Melody’s location and who she was with, although he expressed doubts about the accuracy of the information she provided.
Buzzard faced charges for false imprisonment on November 7, with a judge allowing her release provided she wears an ankle monitor and refrains from contacting Brewer. Melody’s paternal grandmother, Lily Deans, expressed her discontent over Ashley’s release, stressing that the child’s name wasn’t mentioned in the court proceedings. Deans voiced frustration, stating, “They let her go… but there was nothing about the baby being missing.” She also indicated that Ashley has a history of mental health concerns, describing her as a “strange woman” based on her past admissions to an asylum.
On October 7, Ashley and Melody left California, making their way to Nebraska with a Chevrolet Malibu that had California license plates. By October 8, this Malibu was reported as having switched to New York plates, which investigators suspect was done to avoid detection. When the vehicle was returned to a rental service in California, the original plates were reportedly replaced.
Authorities noted that during their travels, Ashley and Melody likely passed through several states, including Arizona and Utah, around October 9, and somewhere along the way, Ashley was not with Melody. Investigators have also released video evidence showing both of them wearing wigs at a rental facility in Lompoc, California. It is believed Ashley may have altered her appearance intentionally to evade recognition.
Melody is described as being approximately 4 feet 6 inches tall, weighing between 60 to 100 pounds, with curly brown hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information regarding her whereabouts is urged to contact the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office.
