Authorities seek public’s help in search for missing 9-year-old girl
Summary
Law enforcement in Santa Barbara County is asking the public — especially businesses and people in Primm, Nevada — to check surveillance footage for a white Chevrolet Malibu connected to the disappearance of 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard.
Melodee was seen on surveillance video with her mother, 40-year-old Ashlee Buzzard, when they rented a Malibu in Lompoc, California, on Oct. 7. Detectives say the pair travelled across multiple states in a rapid, extensive trip and that the car displayed a switched New York plate starting Oct. 8. Melodee was last spotted on video on Oct. 9 near the Colorado–Utah border; the vehicle was later recorded in Primm en route back to California. Ashlee returned to Lompoc on Oct. 10 without Melodee and returned the rental car to the agency. She has refused to cooperate with detectives.
Key Points
- Missing child: Melodee Buzzard, 9, last seen on surveillance footage on 9 October between the Colorado–Utah border.
- Vehicle of interest: white Chevrolet Malibu rented in Lompoc; originally bore California plate 9MNG101 but was later seen with a New York plate (HCG9677) believed to be a switched plate.
- Travel route: mother and daughter travelled across parts of Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Colorado and are believed to have gone as far as Nebraska with a return route through Kansas; the Malibu reached Primm on 9 October.
- Mother’s behaviour: Ashlee Buzzard reportedly wore wigs and changed appearance during the trip and has not cooperated with investigators since returning without Melodee.
- Authorities request that Primm businesses and residents review surveillance footage from 9 October for the Malibu and contact detectives with any information.
- Physical description: Melodee is about 4 ft 6 in, roughly 60 lbs, with brown eyes and brown hair.
- Contact: Santa Barbara County sheriff’s detectives at 805-681-4150 or anonymous tip line 805-681-4171.
Context and relevance
This case has attracted nationwide attention because of the cross-state travel, the apparent use of a false plate and the mother’s lack of cooperation. Detectives have publicly released surveillance images and a route map to prompt help from businesses and motorists along the journey. For anyone living, working or travelling through border towns such as Primm, the request to check CCTV could provide crucial leads.
The case also highlights challenges in missing-child investigations that cross multiple jurisdictions and states, and the importance of rapid sharing of surveillance footage and tips.
Why should I read this?
Look, this is serious and time-sensitive. If you live or work near Primm or travel that stretch of I-15, your CCTV or dashcam might be the break authorities need. We’ve boiled the key facts down so you can quickly check footage or share the tip numbers without wading through the whole article.
Author style
Punchy. This summary cuts to the chase: a missing nine-year-old, a suspicious road trip with swapped plates and changing appearances, and an uncooperative parent. If there’s any chance you can help, the details here are worth a close read.