The mother of missing 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard, Ashlee Buzzard, recently appeared in court for a felony false-imprisonment charge, which is separate from the ongoing investigation into her daughter’s disappearance. The incident took place at her Lompoc home on November 6, weeks after Melodee was last seen. Sheriff’s Office officials emphasized that this case is not connected to the effort to locate her daughter.
Authorities have noted that Buzzard has been uncooperative and has not provided information about Melodee’s location. Tyler Brewer, a court officer who has known Buzzard for years, stated that she once told him where Melodee was and who she was with, but he remains uncertain about the accuracy of this information. Brewer also reported that Buzzard locked the doors and retrieved a box cutter during their meeting, preventing him from leaving. He then promptly informed authorities of the situation.
Ashlee Buzzard was charged on November 7 in connection with the incident involving Brewer. She was released under conditions that included wearing an ankle monitor and avoiding contact with Brewer. Additionally, her mother, Lori Miranda, revealed that she has not spoken to Ashlee since 2023, and described a history of instability and domestic violence. The family has struggled with homelessness in the past.
Investigators indicate that Ashlee left California with Melodee on October 7, traveling in a rented Chevrolet Malibu with plates that were later swapped for a New York tag believed to be false. The pair reportedly traveled through California, Arizona, Utah, and Nevada before returning the car to the rental agency with its original plates reattached. Surveillance video from the sheriff’s office shows Ashlee and Melodee wearing wigs at a Lompoc rental location, potentially to avoid recognition while traveling.
Authorities are still actively searching for Melodee, who is now described as 4 feet to 4 feet 6 inches tall, weighing between 60 to 100 pounds, with brown curly hair and brown eyes. The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information about her whereabouts to contact (805) 681-4150. Fox News Digital has reached out to the sheriff’s office and Buzzard’s lawyer for further comment.