Found Deceased CA - Melodee Buzzard, 9, Vandenberg Village, 14 Oct 2025 *Mother arrested*

[LaborDayRN]

Double post.

 

[KriddleRNmsn]

I’ve been reading Websleuths for years and finally made an account to share my thoughts.
(ETA: oh my goodness, I apologize for how long this got!)

I know it goes without saying that LE knows far more than we do, and that may explain why Ashlee hasn’t been arrested on the many charges people have suggested that have been used in other cases. What stands out to me is that she doesn’t appear to be repeatedly brought in or publicly pressured, which makes me think LE has a fairly solid understanding of what happened during the road trip and is working quietly behind the scenes. It’s possible they believe she didn’t harm Melodee, that someone else involved is their focus, or that taking her into custody could limit their ability to obtain more information about Melodee’s whereabouts from her or others. There’s also the possibility that public statements about her cooperation don’t fully reflect what’s happening privately. Whatever the reason, Ashlee doesn’t seem to be concerned with crafting a story for the media.

Regarding the recording Ashlee released: unless I’m mistaken, she specifically said the information better not end up in the media. From what we heard, she didn’t accuse him of working with LE.

That said, I don’t think the audio proves much either way. He asked to leave twice, and while his use of “yes/no, ma’am” is polite, I could see someone using it who feels threatened (such as a box cutter), trying to calm the situation. His voice does sound nervous IMO, and I was surprised that recording was presented as evidence against him. This again raises questions about why LE may be avoiding placing her in custody.

One other unrelated point that has stayed with me from earlier in the thread is a statement attributed to Ashlee’s mother, saying something like she strongly believes Ashlee left Melodee with someone who knew her father. I know that doesn’t mean anything, especially since I haven’t seen it mentioned in weeks, but it is still nagging me.

Whatever the case, I don’t think it’s related to the school, because why wouldn’t Ashlee just have had Melodee check in to keep the school off their back? Who knows, really. It’s all just so weird.

This is all MOO of course, and maybe me just trying to find any reason to believe Melodee is still out there somewhere. I agree with a lot of your possible scenarios as well, just wanted to offer some different type of thoughts I’ve also had.

 

[texaslb218]

I’ve been reading Websleuths for years and finally made an account to share my thoughts.
(ETA: oh my goodness, I apologize for how long this got!)

I know it goes without saying that LE knows far more than we do, and that may explain why Ashlee hasn’t been arrested on the many charges people have suggested that have been used in other cases. What stands out to me is that she doesn’t appear to be repeatedly brought in or publicly pressured, which makes me think LE has a fairly solid understanding of what happened during the road trip and is working quietly behind the scenes. It’s possible they believe she didn’t harm Melodee, that someone else involved is their focus, or that taking her into custody could limit their ability to obtain more information about Melodee’s whereabouts from her or others. There’s also the possibility that public statements about her cooperation don’t fully reflect what’s happening privately. Whatever the reason, Ashlee doesn’t seem to be concerned with crafting a story for the media.

Regarding the recording Ashlee released: unless I’m mistaken, she specifically said the information better not end up in the media. From what we heard, she didn’t accuse him of working with LE.

That said, I don’t think the audio proves much either way. He asked to leave twice, and while his use of “yes/no, ma’am” is polite, I could see someone using it who feels threatened (such as a box cutter), trying to calm the situation. His voice does sound nervous IMO, and I was surprised that recording was presented as evidence against him. This again raises questions about why LE may be avoiding placing her in custody.

One other unrelated point that has stayed with me from earlier in the thread is a statement attributed to Ashlee’s mother, saying something like she strongly believes Ashlee left Melodee with someone who knew her father. I know that doesn’t mean anything, especially since I haven’t seen it mentioned in weeks, but it is still nagging me.

Whatever the case, I don’t think it’s related to the school, because why wouldn’t Ashlee just have had Melodee check in to keep the school off their back? Who knows, really. It’s all just so weird.

This is all MOO of course, and maybe me just trying to find any reason to believe Melodee is still out there somewhere. I agree with a lot of your possible scenarios as well, just wanted to offer some different type of thoughts I’ve also had.

Welcome to get your shingle out here. I have also been a reader and member for years, but don't post much. I keep up with most of the situations discussed here. So many smart, smart posters here. Hope you enjoy moving out into the sunshine!

 

[Stunned]

I’ve been reading Websleuths for years and finally made an account to share my thoughts.
(ETA: oh my goodness, I apologize for how long this got!)

I know it goes without saying that LE knows far more than we do, and that may explain why Ashlee hasn’t been arrested on the many charges people have suggested that have been used in other cases. What stands out to me is that she doesn’t appear to be repeatedly brought in or publicly pressured, which makes me think LE has a fairly solid understanding of what happened during the road trip and is working quietly behind the scenes. It’s possible they believe she didn’t harm Melodee, that someone else involved is their focus, or that taking her into custody could limit their ability to obtain more information about Melodee’s whereabouts from her or others. There’s also the possibility that public statements about her cooperation don’t fully reflect what’s happening privately. Whatever the reason, Ashlee doesn’t seem to be concerned with crafting a story for the media.

Regarding the recording Ashlee released: unless I’m mistaken, she specifically said the information better not end up in the media. From what we heard, she didn’t accuse him of working with LE.

That said, I don’t think the audio proves much either way. He asked to leave twice, and while his use of “yes/no, ma’am” is polite, I could see someone using it who feels threatened (such as a box cutter), trying to calm the situation. His voice does sound nervous IMO, and I was surprised that recording was presented as evidence against him. This again raises questions about why LE may be avoiding placing her in custody.

One other unrelated point that has stayed with me from earlier in the thread is a statement attributed to Ashlee’s mother, saying something like she strongly believes Ashlee left Melodee with someone who knew her father. I know that doesn’t mean anything, especially since I haven’t seen it mentioned in weeks, but it is still nagging me.

Whatever the case, I don’t think it’s related to the school, because why wouldn’t Ashlee just have had Melodee check in to keep the school off their back? Who knows, really. It’s all just so weird.

This is all MOO of course, and maybe me just trying to find any reason to believe Melodee is still out there somewhere. I agree with a lot of your possible scenarios as well, just wanted to offer some different type of thoughts I’ve also had.

Great first post! Welcome to WS! I also believe that police are working meticulously behind the scenes to get to Melodee and know so much more than we do! IMO

 

[lonetraveler]

I mean, what was their recourse? Legally, I mean?

Melodee is full on missing and has been a while now and yet even seasoned trained investigators have been unable to force her to reveal the location of her child.

A drill would work quickly. LOL. Just kidding.

 

[Unalienable Rights]

Protesters gather outside the home of missing 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard

On Thursday, Dec. 18, A small protest gathered outside the Vandenberg Village home of Ashlee Buzzard, the mother of missing 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard.

www.ksby.com

December 18, 2025

On Thursday, Dec. 18, A small protest gathered outside the Vandenberg Village home of Ashlee Buzzard, the mother of missing 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard.

*****
Protesters say their goal is to keep the public’s attention on the case. The Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office reports that the investigation is still active and ongoing.

Two months later, disappearance of Melodee Buzzard investigation remains active as questions continue

Sunday marked two months since Melodee Buzzard, 9, was last seen, and while investigators say the case remains active, limited public updates have left family and neighbors searching for answers.

www.ksby.com

December 16, 2025

Sunday marked two months since 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard was last seen, and while investigators say the case remains active, limited public updates have left family and neighbors searching for answers.

*****

According to Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Raquel Zick, there are no new updates in the case at this time. She confirmed the investigation remains active and ongoing and also said there is no reward being offered right now.

Another agency spokesperson, Janalee Luke with the Emery County Sheriff’s Office in Utah, told KSBY their agency has never been involved in the investigation and has not been contacted by the agency leading the case. Luke said they are, however, aware of the surveillance video showing Ashlee and Melodee last seen together on Oct. 9 near the Colorado-Utah border.

Anyone with information about Melodee Buzzard’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office.

*****
Long article -- see linked article for more.

 

[Spectrix]

December 18, 2025

On Thursday, Dec. 18, A small protest gathered outside the Vandenberg Village home of Ashlee Buzzard, the mother of missing 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard.

Did Ashlee not move elsewhere? The last news I remember is that she was packing household items into a UHAUL truck and driving away

 

[Eli9]

Did Ashlee not move elsewhere? The last news I remember is that she was packing household items into a UHAUL truck and driving away

I thought the same when I saw her with the U-Haul but it turns out she was just moving stuff into her storage unit and is still living at the rental. MOO

 

[starlightstarbright]

I thought the same when I saw her with the U-Haul but it turns out she was just moving stuff into her storage unit and is still living at the rental. MOO

Makes you wonder whose stuff she was moving into storage, doesn’t it?

 

[Lebowski]

how often does this happen, where we KNOW a certain person knows where a missing person is, and no one can do anything about it, and they just go on living their life like nothing's up?

 

[Stunned]

how often does this happen, where we KNOW a certain person knows where a missing person is, and no one can do anything about it, and they just go on living their life like nothing's up?

Especially their own child?

 

[Ontario Mom]

how often does this happen, where we KNOW a certain person knows where a missing person is, and no one can do anything about it, and they just go on living their life like nothing's up?

I don't know how often it happens but Madalina Cojocari comes to mind, then Lori Daybell's deceased kids. It seems like it should be common sense if LE have legit reason to believe a minor child may be in danger in any way, the custodial parent should be required by law to present the child in good health (on all levels).

jmo

 

[Spectrix]

Makes you wonder whose stuff she was moving into storage, doesn’t it?

Perhaps Melodee's stuff since it doesn't look like she's coming home anytime soon.
Just arrest her already!

 

[katydid23]

This is where I feel the circumstances go left. Why would the paternal family take Ashlee’s word for anything? Particularly as it relates to Melodee, who they had custody of at various times?

I'm not sure that they didn't try to get more information but it is very hard. LE is not going to touch family custody arguments. And CPS will only do so if they have major reasons to believe it is a dangerous or negligent situation.

In fact, it might have been some questioning by the paternal family that got this rolling?

 

[DatelineFan]

Accidental post

 

[texaslb218]

Accidental post

Accidental hello and been there.

 

[Insightful1]

Ashlee has been arrested. https://m.facebook.com/groups/822663460253587/permalink/872047678648498/?mibextid=wwXIfr

 

[Justice101]

Ashlee has been arrested. https://m.facebook.com/groups/822663460253587/permalink/872047678648498/?mibextid=wwXIfr

I wonder what the actual charge is for?

 

[swanniee11]

I'm nervous about what the charges are

 

[tricia]

Ashlee has been arrested. https://m.facebook.com/groups/822663460253587/permalink/872047678648498/?mibextid=wwXIfr

I have a feeling this isn't good. Let's hope it is because they have found Melodee alive