Authorities in California have released a new photograph showing missing nine-year-old Melodee Buzzard, possibly in disguise, as the search for the girl enters its second week with few answers.
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office said the image, captured on 7 October at a Lompoc car rental business, shows the child with her hood pulled tight and her hair hidden beneath a dark wig. The photograph was taken days before she vanished.
The search for Melodee began on 14 October after a school board official notified officers about her prolonged absence. Deputies who visited the family home spoke to the child’s mother, 35-year-old Ashlee Buzzard, but said no verifiable explanation for Melodee’s whereabouts was provided.
Investigators believe Buzzard drove with her daughter from Lompoc to Nebraska and back between 7 and 10 October in a white Chevrolet Malibu rental car. The rental car is no longer in the mother’s possession. The FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office is assisting and confirmed Melodee may have been with her mother as recently as 7 October.
“Our detectives are following every lead in this case. We continue to seek information from the public that could help us find Melodee,” Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown said. “We are hopeful that Melodee might be with someone – perhaps an extended family member or friend – who may not be aware of the circumstances of her disappearance.”
Authorities believe the wig worn in the photographs may have been used to alter her appearance. Melodee is described as about 4ft 6in tall, weighing 60lbs, with brown hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information is urged to contact detectives at (805) 681-4150, use the anonymous tip line at (805) 681-4171, or submit tips online at SBSheriff.org.
