Authorities in Santa Barbara County are continuing their search for 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard, who was reported missing in mid-October 2025. New surveillance images released by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office appear to show Melodee wearing a wig at a car rental business shortly before her mother, Ashlee Buzzard, left California on a cross-country trip. Investigators believe the disguise may have been used to conceal the girl’s identity. The FBI has joined local law enforcement in an effort to locate Melodee.

The Last Sighting

The newly released images are the first potential photos of Melodee in more than two years. They were captured on October 7 at a car rental business in Santa Barbara County. In the photos, the child — believed to be Melodee — is seen wearing a gray sweatshirt with the hood up, patterned leggings, black sneakers and a dark wig with straight hair. Her natural hair is brown and curly. Investigators believe the wig was used to alter her appearance. That same day, Ashlee Buzzard rented a white Chevrolet Malibu, and the pair began what would become a multi-state journey.

A Cross-Country Road Trip

Detectives say Ashlee Buzzard and her daughter left their Vandenberg Village home on October 7, traveling east in the rented Malibu, which carried the California license plate 9MNG101. The vehicle was later tracked across several states, reaching as far as Nebraska before returning west through Kansas. The 3,000-mile trip would have required more than two full days of driving. On October 10, Ashlee was seen back at the family’s home in Lompoc — alone. The car was eventually returned to the rental company, but Melodee was not with her mother. Authorities have since narrowed the critical window of the investigation to those three days between Ashlee’s departure and return.

Discovery of the Disappearance

Melodee’s absence was first noticed by her school. On October 14, a week after she was last seen, administrators from the Lompoc Unified School District alerted law enforcement about her prolonged absence from classes. Deputies went to the Buzzard home that same day. Ashlee was there but offered no verifiable explanation for her daughter’s whereabouts. A search warrant was executed the next morning at the property and surrounding areas. Days later, the FBI joined the investigation. Despite her lack of cooperation, Ashlee has not been arrested or charged. Officials say she continues to withhold key information about where Melodee may be or who might have seen her last.

An Expanding Investigation

The case has drawn national attention, with the FBI and multiple law enforcement agencies following every possible lead. Investigators are now focused on determining what happened during the trip to Nebraska and tracing Melodee’s movements after October 7. Sheriff Bill Brown said the department remains committed to bringing the girl home safely. Officials have released Melodee’s description: 4 feet 6 inches tall, around 60 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. Community members have been asked to report tips but not to conduct their own searches, as that could interfere with the investigation. Authorities continue to review digital evidence and rental records for additional evidence.

Family and Community Response

Members of Melodee’s extended family have held vigils outside her Vandenberg Village home, praying for her safe return. Relatives from her late father’s side say they have not seen the girl in years but remain hopeful that she will be found. Photos of Melodee and candles now line the street near the family’s home. The community has responded with growing concern, sharing information across social media and local networks. Law enforcement encourages anyone with knowledge of the family’s movements between October 7 and October 10 to contact the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office at 805-681-4150, the anonymous tip line at 805-681-4171 or the FBI at 1-800-CALLFBI.

Sources: Los Angeles Times, KTLA, WJAR