When deputies first responded to the little girl's home this week, Melodee and her mom, Ashlee Buzzard, weren't there, and “no clear explanation was provided" for where Melodee was, the sheriff’s office said.
Then, on Wednesday night, deputies returned to the home and Ashlee Buzzard was there, but Melodee was not, Zick said. Zick did not disclose what Ashlee Buzzard told investigators.
No one else lives at the house, Zick said, noting that Melodee's father is deceased. Law enforcement executed a search warrant on the home on Wednesday night, Zick said.
California authorities are trying to track down a 9-year-old girl who hasn't been seen in at least one year.
abcnews.go.com
Although the sheriff's office said Melodee is homeschooled, a California Department of Education spokesperson said there’s no record of Ashlee Buzzard filing an annual private school affidavit, which is a requirement for homeschooling.
“Per state law, the CDE does not assess or physically inspect private or homeschools,” the spokesperson said. “Filing an annual affidavit is the only thing that is required.”
A school official reported Melodee's "prolonged absence" this week.
uk.news.yahoo.com
