Santa Barbara, CA – More than three weeks after allegedly fleeing with her missing 9-year-old daughter, Melodee Buzzard, authorities have arrested 40-year-old Ashlee Buzzard in Santa Barbara County. Despite her arrest, the young girl’s whereabouts remain unknown, leaving investigators and family members desperate for answers.
Arrest in California
According to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, Ashlee Buzzard was taken into custody on Friday and charged with false imprisonment — though officials stressed that the charge is unrelated to her daughter’s disappearance.
In a statement, the department said:
“Detectives learned of a recent incident where Ashlee prevented a victim from leaving a location against their will, which constitutes false imprisonment.”
Officials did not share further details, citing concerns that releasing additional information could interfere with the ongoing search for Melodee Buzzard.
Buzzard was booked at the Northern Branch Jail on a $100,000 bond. Authorities also confirmed they are withholding her mugshot, stating it does not meet the criteria for public release.
The Disappearance of Melodee Buzzard
The disappearance of 9-year-old Melodee has gripped attention across multiple states. Although she was officially reported missing last month, her family claims they have not seen her in over a year.
Relatives described Ashlee Buzzard as “extremely mentally unstable” and said they had long been concerned for Melodee’s safety.
Investigators say the mother and daughter were seen traveling together on a 1,500-mile road trip, which included stops in Nebraska. It remains unclear where they were ultimately heading.
Haunting Final Sighting
Security footage captured what are believed to be the last known images of Melodee Buzzard. The video reportedly shows the mother-daughter duo wearing wigs as they entered a Santa Barbara car rental outlet on October 7 to obtain a Chevrolet Malibu.
The following day, the vehicle was spotted on the road with New York license plates, police said. When the car was returned to the rental company on October 10, it had been switched back to its original California plates — but Melodee was nowhere to be found.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities from multiple jurisdictions, including California, Nebraska, and New York, are now involved in the investigation. Detectives have not ruled out the possibility that Melodee may have been taken across state lines.
Police say Ashlee Buzzard remains uncooperative, offering no information about her daughter’s location or condition.
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, along with state and federal agencies, continues to follow leads as the search intensifies.
Family’s Plea for Answers
Melodee’s relatives are urging the public to come forward with any information that might help locate the missing child. “We just want Melodee home safe,” a family spokesperson said. “Every day that passes makes us fear the worst.”
Anyone with information about Melodee Buzzard’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers.
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