Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s detectives have released new video footage as part of the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard , confirming key details previously reported by authorities and providing an update on the multi-state search effort.

The newly released surveillance video, taken at a Lompoc rental car agency on Oct. 7, shows Melodee and her mother, Ashlee Buzzard, both wearing wigs — a detail investigators say was part of an effort to alter their appearances during travel.

Detectives now believe Ashlee switched to a darker wig that matched Melodee’s while traveling, aiming to avoid detection.

The search for Melodee began on Oct. 14 after a school administrator reported her prolonged absence. Deputies made initial contact with Ashlee at

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