Where is Melodee Buzzard? Missing California girl may have been taken to Nebraska by mom, authorities say

"Detectives have gathered evidence indicating that Melodee was with her mother, Ashlee Buzzard, as recently as October 7, 2025,"

"Detectives have also determined that Ashlee may have driven with Melodee in a White Chevrolet Malibu to locations outside of Santa Barbara County to include as far as the state of Nebraska."

"The vehicle, with license plate number 9MNG101, was a rental car and is no longer in Buzzard's possession, according to the Sheriff's Office."

Melodee Buzzard, a 9-year-old from Lompoc, was with her mother, Ashlee Buzzard, as recently as October 7, 2025. Detectives, assisted by the FBI, have narrowed the timeframe and believe Ashlee may have driven Melodee in a white Chevrolet Malibu rental to locations outside Santa Barbara County, possibly as far as Nebraska. The rental bore license plate 9MNG101 and is no longer in Ashlee's possession. Law enforcement made contact with Ashlee at her Vandenberg Village home but Melodee was not present. Ashlee has refused to cooperate or answer questions about Melodee's whereabouts. Paternal relatives report they have not seen Melodee for about four and a half years and the most recent photo on file is two years old.

Read at Los Angeles Times