CA CA - Melodee Buzzard, 9, Vandenberg Village, 14 Oct 2025

[Knox]

Highly unlikely that Melodee has had any useful pedagogical education (home school or otherwise) during her childhood, given the mother's issues. She is way behind her peers unless she is doing a lot of self-education on her own. The rest of her perspective and knowledge about life is being overseen by a mentally unstable authority figure.

That's a very sad life for Melodee, if true.

@Sjöberg, thank you for educating us on what Bipolar loooks like. Given what the paternal grandmother said happened in 2021 - Recap: Ashlee was hospitalized for a few months, during that period, a paternal uncle took over Melodee's care. When she was released, Ashlee picked up Melodee from school and left Santa Maria. From that time on, she kept Melodee away from them and possibly never enrolled her in school. Until August of this year.

Maybe Melodee had been asking to be enrolled in school and Ashlee caved in to the pressure. Enough time had passed, the paternal family wasn't knocking at her door anymore. Or maybe an external pressure like she had to have proof of school enrollment for some type of state benefit she was receiving for Melodee (SNAP, Section 8, Medi-Cal)?

These possibilities make me feel a little better about Melodee's potential to be alive, but hidden. But the bottom line is, she is being psychologically harmed as @lynxofsd stated. If she's found, will she be removed and not given back again?

 

[TMich6811]

Re: bipolar and the statements from the family. Circling back a bit because it’s bothering me.

I feel like they have a lot to gain here. If they did truly try to “adopt” Melodee - I find that weird.

Because as knox or someone said - you don’t just file for adoption. You’re not gonna just get an adoption approved.

And they said Ashlee got out of hospital and just took melodee and ran. They said nothing about calling CPS or anyone being concerned about her wellbeing. It’s just not how any of this works.

If she was admitted to the hospital due to a manic episode or say - suicide, the hospital, whoever admitted her, etc are all going to report if they had safety concerns for the child.

I feel like their narrative should be - we called authorities, we called CPS, we did everything and they failed - or something. But it’s not. It’s about adoption. Which feels more self serving than protecting Melodee. Of course she freaked - they were trying to take her child, as reported now, fully on their own. That’s not just a bipolar reaction, that’s normal for most parents

I don’t find concerns that she changed melodees name to match her own.

I find these statements odd when they claim they have not seen her since 2021: “ My baby is missing” and “ When you don’t have one grandkid, and we get together for Thanksgiving or Christmas, it’s not the same,”

I continue to wonder if CPS was even involved in the 2021 hospitalization. “ Denes said that in 2021 another of her sons temporarily took care of Melodee while Buzzard was hospitalized for several weeks.” sounds to me like the chose to watch her not that guardianship was needed. And if guardianship was needed she couldn’t have just picked her up and taken off.

I don’t know. I think they are self serving and aren’t saying these things for insight into what could be happening with Ashlee; I think they are saying it because they didn’t get “their baby.”

She might have bipolar with manic episodes or she might not but I understand why she cut the family out if they jumped straight to I’m adopting your child while she was trying to get mental health help.

A family’s nightmare: Inside the investigation into Melodee Buzzard’s disappearance

A month after 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard vanished, her relatives remain desperate for answers. But one person who may know what happened isn’t talking.

www.latimes.com

 

[Knox]

Re: bipolar and the statements from the family. Circling back a bit because it’s bothering me.

I feel like they have a lot to gain here. If they did truly try to “adopt” Melodee - I find that weird.

Because as knox or someone said - you don’t just file for adoption. You’re not gonna just get an adoption approved.

And they said Ashlee got out of hospital and just took melodee and ran. They said nothing about calling CPS or anyone being concerned about her wellbeing. It’s just not how any of this works.

If she was admitted to the hospital due to a manic episode or say - suicide, the hospital, whoever admitted her, etc are all going to report if they had safety concerns for the child.

I feel like their narrative should be - we called authorities, we called CPS, we did everything and they failed - or something. But it’s not. It’s about adoption. Which feels more self serving than protecting Melodee. Of course she freaked - they were trying to take her child, as reported now, fully on their own. That’s not just a bipolar reaction, that’s normal for most parents

I don’t find concerns that she changed melodees name to match her own.

I find these statements odd when they claim they have not seen her since 2021: “ My baby is missing” and “ When you don’t have one grandkid, and we get together for Thanksgiving or Christmas, it’s not the same,”

I continue to wonder if CPS was even involved in the 2021 hospitalization. “ Denes said that in 2021 another of her sons temporarily took care of Melodee while Buzzard was hospitalized for several weeks.” sounds to me like the chose to watch her not that guardianship was needed. And if guardianship was needed she couldn’t have just picked her up and taken off.

I don’t know. I think they are self serving and aren’t saying these things for insight into what could be happening with Ashlee; I think they are saying it because they didn’t get “their baby.”

She might have bipolar with manic episodes or she might not but I understand why she cut the family out if they jumped straight to I’m adopting your child while she was trying to get mental health help.

A family’s nightmare: Inside the investigation into Melodee Buzzard’s disappearance

A month after 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard vanished, her relatives remain desperate for answers. But one person who may know what happened isn’t talking.

www.latimes.com

I agree with your viewpoint on the paternal family statements 100%, it doesn't quite track. But in all fairness, the tragic loss of their son and brother drove them to want to be close to Melodee in order to have something of him. I understand that need too.

It was Ashlee's mother who finally came forth with a named diagnosis (bipolar) a few days ago. Up until then she was never specific, only stating Ashlee had mental health problems. So that's new information.

 

[TMich6811]

I agree with your viewpoint on the paternal family statements 100%, it doesn't quite track. But in all fairness, the tragic loss of their son and brother drove them to want to be close to Melodee in order to have something of him. I understand that need too.

It was Ashlee's mother who finally came forth with a named diagnosis (bipolar) a few days ago. Up until then she was never specific, only stating Ashlee had mental health problems. So that's new information.

Thanks for the clarification on maternal grandmother saying bipolar. I think Ashlee likely also has a ton of trauma from her own childhood

I understand them wanting Melodee also, and thinking they could protect her.

 

[Rosydecember]

Re: bipolar and the statements from the family. Circling back a bit because it’s bothering me.

I feel like they have a lot to gain here. If they did truly try to “adopt” Melodee - I find that weird.

Because as knox or someone said - you don’t just file for adoption. You’re not gonna just get an adoption approved.

And they said Ashlee got out of hospital and just took melodee and ran. They said nothing about calling CPS or anyone being concerned about her wellbeing. It’s just not how any of this works.

If she was admitted to the hospital due to a manic episode or say - suicide, the hospital, whoever admitted her, etc are all going to report if they had safety concerns for the child.

I feel like their narrative should be - we called authorities, we called CPS, we did everything and they failed - or something. But it’s not. It’s about adoption. Which feels more self serving than protecting Melodee. Of course she freaked - they were trying to take her child, as reported now, fully on their own. That’s not just a bipolar reaction, that’s normal for most parents

I don’t find concerns that she changed melodees name to match her own.

I find these statements odd when they claim they have not seen her since 2021: “ My baby is missing” and “ When you don’t have one grandkid, and we get together for Thanksgiving or Christmas, it’s not the same,”

I continue to wonder if CPS was even involved in the 2021 hospitalization. “ Denes said that in 2021 another of her sons temporarily took care of Melodee while Buzzard was hospitalized for several weeks.” sounds to me like the chose to watch her not that guardianship was needed. And if guardianship was needed she couldn’t have just picked her up and taken off.

I don’t know. I think they are self serving and aren’t saying these things for insight into what could be happening with Ashlee; I think they are saying it because they didn’t get “their baby.”

She might have bipolar with manic episodes or she might not but I understand why she cut the family out if they jumped straight to I’m adopting your child while she was trying to get mental health help.

A family’s nightmare: Inside the investigation into Melodee Buzzard’s disappearance

A month after 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard vanished, her relatives remain desperate for answers. But one person who may know what happened isn’t talking.

www.latimes.com

BBM — I can also see that as a catalyst to never seek mental health assistance as well. “If I try to get help, they’ll take my child away from me” or thoughts along those lines. MOO

 

[Stunned]

Could LE have arrested Ashlee to put her in protective custody?

 

[Ontario Mom]

Could LE have arrested Ashlee to put her in protective custody?

I'm not sure how often (if ever?) that happens in real life. Sure, we've all seen it in movies and television shows but I'm not sure I've ever followed a case where this happens.

I think the reason she was arrested was the exact reason the SBCSO gave in their statement. However, I do find this wording very curious:

"This crime is not connected to the ongoing search for Melodee, however, detectives are unable to fully outline the crime as it would impede their ongoing investigation."

Detectives Arrest Ashlee Buzzard on Unrelated Charges; Search for Melodee Ongoing – Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office

Proud to Protect and Serve Santa Barbara County The men and women of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office are proud to protect the people of this beautiful county. Our dedicated team of professionals uphold our five core values, integrity, caring, courage, fairness and service, in all that...

www.sbsheriff.org

How would more details about the crime of false imprisonment allegedly not connected to the search for Melodee, affect the ongoing investigation into Melodee's disappearance?

 

[PNW]

I'm not sure how often (if ever?) that happens in real life. Sure, we've all seen it in movies and television shows but I'm not sure I've ever followed a case where this happens.

I think the reason she was arrested was the exact reason the SBCSO gave in their statement. However, I do find this wording very curious:

"This crime is not connected to the ongoing search for Melodee, however, detectives are unable to fully outline the crime as it would impede their ongoing investigation."

Detectives Arrest Ashlee Buzzard on Unrelated Charges; Search for Melodee Ongoing – Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office

Proud to Protect and Serve Santa Barbara County The men and women of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office are proud to protect the people of this beautiful county. Our dedicated team of professionals uphold our five core values, integrity, caring, courage, fairness and service, in all that...

www.sbsheriff.org

How would more details about the crime of false imprisonment allegedly not connected to the search for Melodee, affect the ongoing investigation into Melodee's disappearance?

When I worked for the city as a sexual assault victim advocate, we had two women arrested for protective custody as they were both victims in a high profile rape case. They were unhoused and the DA didn’t want to risk them being unable to be found for trial. Also, they were worried about the offender’s associates getting to them. It happens.

 

[Ontario Mom]

When I worked for the city as a sexual assault victim advocate, we had two women arrested for protective custody as they were both victims in a high profile rape case. They were unhoused and the DA didn’t want to risk them being unable to be found for trial. Also, they were worried about the offender’s associates getting to them. It happens.

I'm not surprised it happens, but I do think it's a pretty rare thing - depending on the nature of the case, of course.

 

[Insightful1]

Vandenberg Village is not actually on the the AF base, but I wonder if her Mom works there or lives with someone who is in the AF? Odd that she can’t offer a location for Melodee is currently? This is local for me.

This is local for me too.

 

[Knox]

When I worked for the city as a sexual assault victim advocate, we had two women arrested for protective custody as they were both victims in a high profile rape case. They were unhoused and the DA didn’t want to risk them being unable to be found for trial. Also, they were worried about the offender’s associates getting to them. It happens.

Thanks for sharing that information. I don't think it's too far fetched to apply to circumstances in this case either. We don't know what's going on here, but like I said repeatedly, there's something more than meets the eye - JMO.

 

[Knox]

This is local for me too.

I think I knew that from the Kristin Smart case maybe? Hi Neighbor

 

[Insightful1]

I think I knew that from the Kristin Smart case maybe? Hi Neighbor

Hello

 

[Ontario Mom]

Thanks for sharing that information. I don't think it's too far fetched to apply to circumstances in this case either. We don't know what's going on here, but like I said repeatedly, there's something more than meets the eye - JMO.

I wouldn't say it's far-fetched since clearly it does happen, but it is speculating based on zero known facts in the case, that LE were lying to the public about the reason she was arrested.

jmo

 

[Deedee102901]

Sorry for quoting myself, but this make be a key point that’s important.

The quoted article states in 2021 Ashlee picked Melodee up from school and left Santa Maria with her. From that point on, the paternal family lost contact.

The California Dept. of Education says there is no Homeschool affidavit on file for Melodee. It seems likely she has not been enrolled in any school based education program since 2021?

But in August this year, she takes Melodee to Lompoc Unified and enrolls her. Had she been teaching her at home? I wonder what prompted Ashlee to make the change this year?

If all this is true, Melodee may not have been enrolled in school since kindergarten. Puts a different light on the actions we’re seeing from Ashlee.

She was homeschooling through the district, using their curriculum, not her own. She wasn't doing a full home based school system, where she creates her own teaching techniques, curriculum, registered school name,etc. District based homeschool in California is basically a designated teacher that assigns schoolwork in bulk to the student to be done at home under parent supervision. Sometimes pen and paper, and sometimes Chromebook work. They turn that in at least once a month and get more assigned. Usually this is all done online, so minimal interaction on person. My daughter did high school like this after COVID, she had a monthly zoom meeting with her teacher.
Melodee has been enrolled in her district for 2 school years. One of the years, she participated in school photos, and that is the one currently making rounds. The school provided that photo to LE when they called in a welfare check. She was 7 in that photo so most likely 2nd grade. In August AB took her to get set up for her 4th grade year, and she was supposed to be participating, but after a few weeks of missed meetings and no contact, they called a welfare check. This was after the truancy officers had attempted communication. The truancy process is usually let's and phone calls first, door knocks, and SARB meeting. The student attendance review board has a mandatory meeting where they discuss the next form of action. In this case, that action was a welfare check. With the welfare check, they need proof of life, and AB didn't provide that, so that brings us to today. I have a whole theory on this, I'll type out in a bit.
* I have personal experience with the district based homeschooling, and California truancy process in a different county.

 

[truthfinder2019]

A good summary for those joining the thread

https://edition.cnn.com/2025/11/08/us/melodee-buzzard-missing-search-update

 

[TMich6811]

I think it’s fair that when there is little information we discuss many points openly, even when they are outside of the realm of normal. The reason I feel that way, is that we are here to discuss cases. And, while outside of the realm of normal, these things do actually happen.

Children going missing with no sign of them is likely (I say likely because I’m not googling right now) statistically not normal but here we are.

Further, children going missing with someone else being the reporter and parents not producing the children is probably statically even more abnormal.

We can disagree with the theory but everything we discuss is theory.

 

[Lusitana]

Somehow she was arrested barefoot but wearing her purse? Makes zero sense.

 

[Greenestdays]

This is a very random idea, but to me, the kid in the video looks “done” with the adult. Like a teen would. And the adult seems uncomfortable. What if A genuinely doesn’t know where M is, because she left her somewhere she thought was safe but M took off? And now A is in way over her head? Especially considering her alleged mental health issues?

 

[Knox]

Melodee has been enrolled in her district for 2 school years. One of the years, she participated in school photos, and that is the one currently making rounds. The school provided that photo to LE when they called in a welfare check. She was 7 in that photo so most likely 2nd grade. In August AB took her to get set up for her 4th grade year, and she was supposed to be participating, but after a few weeks of missed meetings and no contact, they called a welfare check. This was after the truancy officers had attempted communication. The truancy process is usually let's and phone calls first, door knocks, and SARB meeting. The student attendance review board has a mandatory meeting where they discuss the next form of action. In this case, that action was a welfare check. With the welfare check, they need proof of life, and AB didn't provide that, so that brings us to today. I have a whole theory on this, I'll type out in a bit.
* I have personal experience with the district based homeschooling, and California truancy process in a different county.

Thanks for the information!! ^^^ BBM - do you have specific information on what district she was enrolled in for second grade? What about third grade? There's a gap there which is confusing me.