Missing California 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard found dead, grandmother says

"The detective called me this morning to let me know that they found the baby and the baby is with her dad,"

"I knew he was telling me that the baby is dead."

"During the road trip earlier this year, Buzzard changed out the license plates on her rental car and wore wigs in what detectives described as possible attempts to avoid detection, according to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office."

Nine-year-old Melodee Buzzard disappeared during an unusual road trip with her mother earlier this year, prompting a months-long investigation that drew FBI involvement and widespread public attention. Investigators recovered her body, and a paternal grandmother, Lilly Denes, said a detective called to report that Melodee had been found and that she was dead. Local television captured video of Melodee's mother, Ashlee Buzzard, being taken into custody shortly before 7:45 a.m. During the trip, Buzzard reportedly changed a rental car's license plates and wore wigs, actions authorities described as attempts to avoid detection. A news conference is planned.

Read at Los Angeles Times