A missing 9-year-old girl from California was last seen near the Colorado-Utah border, according to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office.

On Oct. 14, the Lompoc Unified School District reported to authorities that 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard had not been seen for some time. Sheriff’s officials say her mother, Ashlee Buzzard, could not provide an explanation for Melodee’s whereabouts and has been uncooperative with detectives.

Investigators are currently focusing on a road trip that Melodee and her mother took on Oct. 7.

Sheriff’s officials say Ashlee Buzzard rented a car and drove off with Melodee in a white 2024 Chevrolet Malibu with a California license plate number of 9MNG101. Detectives believe they drove as far as Nebraska, with a return trip that included Kansas.

Beginning Oc

See Full Page