Overview
- Federal and local teams searched the family's Mars Avenue residence in Lompoc, as well as a storage locker and the white Chevrolet Malibu rental tied to the case.
- Ashlee Buzzard, identified by officials as uncooperative, was escorted to an alternate location while the home search proceeded, and no arrests were made.
- Authorities say Melodee was last seen Oct. 7 with her mother before a three-day drive that reached Nebraska, after which the mother returned to California without her.
- Surveillance images released Oct. 24 show Melodee at a rental car business on Oct. 7 wearing a hooded sweatshirt and what appeared to be a wig.
- The investigation began Oct. 14 after a school administrator reported a prolonged absence, and detectives are asking for information that could help locate the child.