Mother of Missing Nine-Year-Old Arrested in California Home
The mother of missing nine-year-old Melodee Buzzard has been taken into custody at her California residence, marking a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the child's disappearance.
Ashlee Buzzard, 40, was arrested outside her Lompoc home on Friday afternoon, approximately 50 miles from Santa Barbara, according to Santa Barbara County Sheriff's deputies.
Charges and Investigation Details
Buzzard faces a felony charge of false imprisonment and has been booked at the Northern Branch Jail with bail set at $100,000. However, authorities have confirmed that this charge is not directly related to her daughter Melodee's disappearance.
The situation began when school officials first reported Melodee missing on October 14 after noting repeated absences from school. Since then, investigators have faced significant challenges as Buzzard has refused to cooperate with the investigation and has provided no explanation regarding her daughter's current whereabouts.
Extensive Search Operation Conducted
Last week, the investigation intensified when Sheriff's deputies and FBI agents executed a search warrant at the family's property on the 500 block of Mars Avenue. Investigators spent hours combing through the house and garage well into the evening while Buzzard was not present at the property.
During the thorough search, authorities removed several items that could prove vital to the case, including sections of drywall and carpeting for further examination.
Santa Barbara County Sheriff's officials have released pictures of both Ashlee Buzzard and her daughter Melodee that focus on their travel route from their Lompoc, California home to Nebraska. Investigators revealed that the pair travelled through Utah, Arizona and Nevada on October 9, just days before Melodee was reported missing.
The investigation continues as authorities work to determine Melodee Buzzard's current location and wellbeing while her mother remains in custody on unrelated charges.
