California officials recently shared new surveillance images of a 9-year-old girl who has been reported missing. The FBI indicated that the child might have been on a road trip with her mother, reportedly as far as Nebraska, before her disappearance.
The investigation into Melody Buzzard began on October 14, after school officials alerted authorities about her extended absences. When deputies visited her home in Lompoc, they spoke to her mother, 35-year-old Ashley Buzzard, but noted that Melody was not there, and no valid explanation was provided for her absence.
Detectives have now released a surveillance image of Melody taken at a local rental car facility on October 7. In this photo, she appears to be wearing a hooded sweatshirt with the hood up and something resembling a wig, which experts believe was likely used to change her appearance. Interestingly, Ashley is also known to wear wigs.
The investigation has focused on the time frame between October 7 and October 10. Authorities confirmed that Ashley drove a rental car, which she took on October 7 and returned on October 10, though Melody was not seen in the vehicle during that period.
Detectives believe that Ashley and Melody may have traveled to Nebraska in a white Chevrolet Malibu, although the vehicle is no longer in Ashley’s possession. This raises questions about Melody’s whereabouts during their journeys. Police described Melody as approximately 4 feet 6 inches tall, weighing around 60 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.
Santa Barbara Sheriff Bill Brown stated, “Detectives are exploring every lead and are asking the public for any information that could assist in finding Melody,” adding that they remain committed to ensuring her safe return.
It’s clear that this ongoing case has community members on edge, and the cooperation of the public could make a significant difference in the investigation. The FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office is also aiding in the search.
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office continues to categorize Melody as a “missing person at risk,” noting that her mother has not been forthcoming with investigators.
