Missing 9-Year-Old California Girl's Appearance Reportedly Altered With Wig

Detectives in California are searching for a missing nine-year-old girl, Melodee Buzzard, who may have had her appearance altered with a wig before disappearing. Security footage from October 7 shows Melodee at a car rental business wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt and what appears to be a wig, according to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office. The wig is darker and straighter than her natural brown, curly hair.

Melodee's mother, Ashlee Buzzard, who is known to wear wigs, rented a car and embarked on a cross-country trip with Melodee on October 7. The trip took them as far as Nebraska, with a return through Kansas. Ashlee returned home on October 10 without Melodee, and the car was returned to the rental company. Melodee was reported missing on October 14 after school officials noted her absence.

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office has not received cooperation from Ashlee, who has not provided a satisfactory explanation for Melodee's whereabouts. Despite this, Ashlee has not been arrested. The FBI is involved in the investigation, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.

Melodee is described as approximately 4 feet 6 inches tall, weighing around 60 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. In the security images, she is seen wearing a gray hoodie, vibrant patterned leggings, and black sneakers. Sheriff Bill Brown stated, "Our detectives are following every lead in this case. We remain determined to bring her home safely."

The public is advised not to conduct independent searches, as this could interfere with the investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office or the FBI.