Ashlee Buzzard, the mother of 9-year-old missing California girl Melodee Buzzard, made an appearance in court on Wednesday, facing a felony false imprisonment charge unrelated to her daughter’s disappearance. The charge, according to authorities, arose from an incident at her Lompoc home on November 6, which took place weeks after Melodee went missing.
Local law enforcement has stated that the case involving Ashlee Buzzard is entirely separate from the ongoing investigation into the whereabouts of Melodee. The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office is currently conducting an investigation into the missing girl’s disappearance, which began on October 14 after a school official reported her prolonged absence.
During an investigative visit to Buzzard’s home, court officer Tyler Brewer, who had known her for years, reported that she revealed information regarding Melodee’s location and who she was with. However, he remains uncertain about the accuracy of this information due to her unstable behavior at the time. Brewer believes the child may be in Utah.
Brewer also reported that during the visit, Buzzard became distressed after sharing information she seemed to regret disclosing. As a result, she locked the doors and retrieved a box cutter, which prevented him from leaving. Eventually, she allowed him to leave and immediately informed authorities of the situation.
Ashlee Buzzard’s appearance in court was brief, lasting less than a minute. She was dressed in a long-knit cardigan with her hair tied back in a ponytail, a notable change from her short curls during her Nov. 12 arraignment. She also avoided eye contact as she walked to the counsel table alongside her public defender.
Authorities have confirmed that the attorneys are proceeding with a preliminary hearing scheduled for Thursday, during which both sides will present evidence. A judge will then decide if the felony case proceeds to trial. Buzzard, who was charged on Nov. 7 in connection with the incident with Brewer, was released under conditions that included wearing an ankle monitor and avoiding contact with him.
Ashlee Buzzard’s mother, Lori Miranda, told NewsNation she has not spoken to her daughter since 2023. She described a difficult past marked by instability and domestic violence, including periods of homelessness when Ashlee was a child. Investigators say Ashlee left California with Melodee on October 7, traveling in a rented Chevrolet Malibu with California plates that were later swapped for a New York tag believed to be false.
The pair reportedly drove through California, Arizona, Utah, and Nevada before returning the car to the rental agency with its original plates reattached. Surveillance video released by the sheriff’s office shows Ashlee and Melodee wearing wigs at a Lompand rental location, with authorities believing the disguise was intended to avoid recognition while traveling.
Melodee is described by officials as 4-feet to 4-feet, 6-inches tall, 60 to 100 pounds, with brown curly hair and brown eyes. The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office urges anyone with information about Melodee’s whereabouts to call (805) 681-4150.