Los Angeles, California, January 22, 2026
The search continues for 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard, who has been missing since October 2024. An Ebony Alert is issued across multiple counties to aid in her recovery as investigators seek information. The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, with FBI assistance, is leading the investigation, focusing on Melodee’s last known sighting with her mother at a rental agency. Family members express concerns for her safety, urging the public to help locate her.
Los Angeles, California – Missing 9-Year-Old Girl Sought Across Southern California
Los Angeles, California – The search continues for 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard, who has been missing since October 2024. An Ebony Alert has been issued across Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego counties to aid in her recovery.
Details of the Disappearance
Melodee was last seen in October 2024, with the most recent confirmed sighting on October 7, 2025. Surveillance footage shows her with her mother, Ashlee Buzzard, at a rental car agency in California. Detectives believe they traveled through Southern California, possibly as far as Nebraska. Ashlee Buzzard has not cooperated with investigators and has refused to provide information about her daughter’s whereabouts or condition. Family members on Melodee’s father’s side report that they haven’t seen her in years. The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation, with assistance from the FBI. Anyone with information is urged to contact local authorities.
Background on Ebony Alerts
The Ebony Alert system, implemented in California on January 1, 2024, is designed to locate missing Black youth and young women. Similar to Amber Alerts, Ebony Alerts are issued when there is reason to believe the individual is in imminent danger. The system aims to address disparities in the response to missing persons cases involving Black individuals.
Recent Developments in Missing Persons Cases
In related news, 19-year-old Sanai Makayla Singh was located and reunited with her family the day after an Ebony Alert was issued. She had been missing from South Los Angeles. Additionally, 14-year-old Nevaeh Holden was found safe after an Amber Alert was deactivated, and a 59-year-old man was taken into custody in connection with her alleged abduction.
Call to Action
Authorities continue to seek information on Melodee Buzzard’s whereabouts. Community members are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any relevant information to local law enforcement agencies. The cooperation of the public is crucial in ensuring the safe return of missing children.
FAQ
What is an Ebony Alert?
An Ebony Alert is a system implemented in California on January 1, 2024, designed to locate missing Black youth and young women. Similar to Amber Alerts, Ebony Alerts are issued when there is reason to believe the individual is in imminent danger. The system aims to address disparities in the response to missing persons cases involving Black individuals.
Who is Melodee Buzzard?
Melodee Buzzard is a 9-year-old girl from Lompoc, California, who has been missing since October 2024. The most recent confirmed sighting was on October 7, 2025, at a rental car agency in California, where she was with her mother, Ashlee Buzzard.
What is the current status of the investigation?
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the FBI, is leading the investigation into Melodee Buzzard’s disappearance. Ashlee Buzzard has not cooperated with investigators and has refused to provide information about her daughter’s whereabouts or condition.
What should I do if I have information about Melodee Buzzard?
If you have any information regarding Melodee Buzzard’s whereabouts, please contact local law enforcement agencies immediately. Your cooperation is crucial in ensuring the safe return of missing children.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Missing Person | Melodee Buzzard, 9-year-old girl from Lompoc, California |
| Last Seen | October 2024, with the most recent confirmed sighting on October 7, 2025 |
| Location of Sighting | Rental car agency in California, with mother Ashlee Buzzard |
| Investigation Status | Led by Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the FBI; mother has not cooperated with investigators |
| Alert Issued | Ebony Alert issued across Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego counties |
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