The Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office is continuing its search for 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard, who was not previously seen for more than a year and hadn't been photographed in at least two.

Melodee's mother, Ashlee Buzzard, has been "uncooperative" in the investigation, according to the Sheriff's Office. Detectives have still yet to receive any verified explanation for her current whereabouts.

But an important new development has happened that may provide a glimmer of hope for her safe return.

On Friday, the Sheriff's Office confirmed that its recent call for public assistance has netted at least one potential lead and a confirmed sighting this year.

According to Sheriff's spokesperson Raquel Zick, detectives have confirmed that Melodee was seen as recently as August 2025.

Officia

See Full Page