Local News
Vanished Without a Trace: The Urgent Search for 9-Year-Old Melodee Buzzard
LOMPOC, CALIFORNIA — What began as routine concern over a student’s absence has evolved into a desperate, multi-agency search for a missing 9-year-old girl whose disappearance has left an entire community shaken.
Authorities say Melodee Buzzard, a fourth-grade student from Lompoc, stopped attending school several weeks ago. When repeated attempts to reach her family failed, school administrators alerted law enforcement—unaware they were about to uncover a deeply troubling mystery.
When Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Detectives, working alongside agents from the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, arrived at the family’s home on Mars Avenue, they expected to find Melodee and her mother, Ashlee Buzzard, safe inside.
Instead, investigators found the residence vacant.
There was no trace of Melodee, her mother, or any indication of where they might have gone.
According to investigators, Melodee was last seen with her mother on October 7, 2025, traveling in a white Chevrolet Malibu with California license plate 9MNG101.
The vehicle, which was later discovered to be a rental, has since been returned—leaving detectives with few physical leads.
Authorities now believe the pair may have traveled outside California, possibly to Nebraska or another state.
Officials have classified Melodee as “at-risk”, given her young age and the concerning circumstances surrounding her disappearance. Law enforcement agencies are urging the public to come forward with any information that could help locate her.
Friends and teachers describe Melodee as a kind-hearted and artistic child who loved drawing and reading stories.
Her sudden disappearance has devastated her classmates and the Lompoc community, many of whom have joined efforts to spread awareness on social media.
In a heartbreaking plea, Melodee’s grandmother, Lori Miranda, spoke publicly about her fears and shared insight into the family’s troubled history:
Miranda said she has not seen her granddaughter in over two years, explaining that Ashlee severed contact with much of the family.
She described Ashlee as having suffered a “drastic decline” in mental health following the death of Melodee’s father in a 2016 car crash, when Melodee was still an infant.
Miranda recalled an earlier incident from years ago when authorities intervened after discovering the family home in severe disarray. Melodee, then a baby, was temporarily placed in protective services.
“Ashlee should be in a hospital receiving treatment right now,” Miranda said, expressing grave concern for her daughter’s mental well-being.
She also issued an emotional plea to both Ashlee and Melodee: “Please, just let us know you’re safe. Melodee, if you can hear this, your family loves you—we just want you home.”
Meanwhile, investigators continue to search for leads, emphasizing that time is critical.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Melodee or Ashlee Buzzard is urged to contact:
🔹 Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Criminal Investigations Division: (805) 681-4150
🔹 Anonymous Tip Line: (805) 681-4171
🔹 FBI Tip Line: 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov
Authorities stress that even the smallest detail could help bring Melodee home.
“Someone, somewhere, knows something,” one investigator said. “Please, help us find Melodee before it’s too late.”
Local News
Three Killed in Highway 61 Crash Near Walls, Mississippi; Victims Identified as Latasha Dodson, Eddie Dodson, and Tamenshia Ford
WALLS, Mississippi — Three people were killed in a serious collision Wednesday evening near U.S. Highway 61 and Church Road in Walls, leaving multiple families grieving and a community mourning the sudden loss of their loved ones.
According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at approximately 8:04 p.m. and involved a 2021 Honda Accord and another vehicle driven by 27-year-old Da’Quarius M. Burton of Memphis, Tennessee.
Authorities identified the three people who died inside the Honda Accord as:
- Latasha N. Dodson, 37, of Horn Lake
- Eddie L. Dodson, 41, of Byhalia
- Tamenshia R. Ford, 32, of Horn Lake
All three victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
The crash also left two people injured. Da’Quarius M. Burton, who was driving the other vehicle, survived the collision, as did a fourth occupant of the Honda Accord whose identity has not yet been released.
Both survivors were transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Officials have not provided an update on their conditions.
The circumstances leading up to the collision remain under investigation by the Mississippi Highway Patrol.
The tragedy has also deeply affected local law enforcement and public service communities. The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that one of its juvenile detention officers was among those who died in the crash. Another employee was seriously injured.
In a statement, the Sheriff’s Office remembered its fallen employee as a respected and beloved member of the team who demonstrated kindness, compassion, and dedication to the young people entrusted to their care.
The department also recognized the lasting difference the employee made through their work and the positive influence they had on others.
Officials have not publicly identified which of the three victims worked for the Sheriff’s Office.
The Walls Police Department also confirmed that one of its patrol officers was involved in the collision. However, the department has not clarified the officer’s condition or released additional information about the circumstances surrounding their involvement.
The crash has therefore brought grief and concern to several public safety agencies, including the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office and the Walls Police Department.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the crash near Highway 61 and Church Road. Authorities have not released a determination about what caused the vehicles to collide.
Further information may become available as investigators review the circumstances of the incident and complete their work.
The deaths of Latasha N. Dodson, Eddie L. Dodson, and Tamenshia R. Ford represent an enormous loss for their families, friends, and everyone who knew them.
Three individuals from different communities have now been lost in a single devastating incident. Their loved ones are left to face the difficult days ahead while holding on to the memories they shared.
The loss has also been felt by colleagues and members of the local public safety community, particularly those mourning the juvenile detention officer remembered for compassion and dedication to young people.
During this painful time, thoughts are with the families of all three victims, the injured survivors, and the employees of the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office and Walls Police Department.
May Latasha N. Dodson, Eddie L. Dodson, and Tamenshia R. Ford rest in peace.