Coloradans on the Western Slope should be on the lookout for a missing 9-year-old girl named Melodee Buzzard. Melodee was last seen with her mother on video surveillance during the return drive of a multi-state road trip in the area of the Utah-Colorado border on October 9.

It has been determined that Melodee’s mother, Ashlee Buzzard, left California with her daughter in a rental vehicle on October 7. Ashlee no longer has that rental in her possession and Melodee remains missing.

According to the FBI, other places where the involved white 2024 Chevrolet Malibu is believed to have traveled after the last time Melodee was seen include Green River (Utah), Panguitch (Utah), Northwest Arizona, Primm (Nevada), and Rancho Cucamonga (California).

Concern about Melodee’s whereabouts was raised on October 14 when a school administrator reported her prolonged absence from class. Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office personnel went to the Lompoc, California residence of the two following the report but were only able to speak with mother Ashlee, who reportedly “provided no verifiable explanation for Melodee’s whereabouts.” Ashlee has allegedly been “uncooperative and has not confirmed Melodee’s location or welfare.” Search warrants have been served related to the residence of the two, as well as a storage locker and the rental vehicle where Melodee was last seen. Per an October 30 update, no arrests had been made in the case.

Law enforcement has noted that it’s believed the two may have traveled as far as Nebraska, returning through Kansas. If this was indeed the route that Ashlee drove, it likely would have meant traveling through Colorado, potentially across a large portion of the state. This presumably would have been prior to the last time Melodee was seen near the Utah-Colorado border on October 9.

Melodee is described as about four feet to four-foot-six in height and 60 to 100 pounds with brown eyes and brown curly hair. It is, however, worth noting that the two may have been wearing wigs during the trip, with other potential changes to appearance possible, as well. The license plate that was initially on the 2024 Chevrolet Malibu was a California plate numbered 9MNG101, though the vehicle was reportedly later seen with a New York plate reading HCG9677. Other plates may have been used. The vehicle was reportedly returned to the rental company with its initial California plate.

Those in the potential area of travel are encouraged to check surveillance footage for the two, including those who may have traveled on the same roads at the same time. Additionally, law enforcement is seeking information from anyone who may have had contact with Ashlee or Melodee on October 9 through October 10.

Anyone with information related to the case can submit an anonymous tip here or submit digital media here. The latest press release on the matter can be found here.

Note: Suspects and persons of interest related to this case are to be considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Any charges that may stem from this case are merely accusations unless a guilty verdict is reached.