Ashlee Buzzard, 35, the mother of 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard, appeared in court on February 21 on a felony false imprisonment charge. The charge stems from an alleged incident at her Lompoc residence in November, weeks after Melodee was last seen. Authorities have stated that this case is separate from the ongoing investigation into Melodee’s disappearance.
Law enforcement sources have indicated that Buzzard has been uncooperative and has not provided a verifiable explanation for her daughter’s whereabouts. The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that the false imprisonment charge does not directly relate to Melodee’s disappearance. This case involves a different legal matter entirely. Melodee is described as 4 feet to 4 feet 6 inches tall, with brown curly hair and brown eyes. Law enforcement urges anyone with information about Melodee’s whereabouts to contact the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office at (805) 681-4150.
During an encounter with a court officer, Tyler Brewer, Buzzard reportedly claimed to know where Melodee was and who she was with, but Brewer remains uncertain about the accuracy of this information. He also described Buzzard as paranoid and mentally deteriorating, noting that she has changed significantly since their last interaction. Brewer has suggested that Melodee may be in Utah due to the travel pattern of the mother and daughter. This information adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation into Melodee’s disappearance.
Buzzard was charged on November 7 in connection with the incident involving Brewer. She was released under conditions that include wearing an ankle monitor and avoiding contact with him. Her mother, Lori Miranda, revealed on NewsNation that she has not spoken with Ashlee since 2023, citing a history of instability and domestic violence in their family. This background provides context for the current situation and may influence the legal proceedings ahead.
Authorities have stated that Buzzard left California with Melodee on October 7, traveling in a rented Chevrolet Malibu with California plates that were later replaced with New York tags believed to be false. Surveillance footage released by the sheriff’s office shows Ashlee and Melodee wearing wigs at a Lompoc rental location. This is thought to be part of an attempt to avoid recognition and evade detection while traveling. The investigation into Melodee’s disappearance continues as law enforcement agencies work to locate the missing child.
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office has requested that anyone with information regarding Melodee’s whereabouts contact them. This case has sparked concern among the public and law enforcement, highlighting the need for increased vigilance and community cooperation in missing persons cases. The emotional toll on the family and the community is evident, as the search for Melodee continues without a clear resolution.