Fears are growing for a nine-year-old California girl who was reported missing after school officials realized she had been absent for a year.
Melodee Buzzard is believed to be at risk and police in Santa Barbara are now asking for the public’s help to locate her.
The investigation began on Tuesday, after a school administrator reported Buzzard’s prolonged absence.
‘Detectives have been unable to confirm any recent sightings of Melodee,’ the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office said.
A spokesman added: ‘The last verified contact with her was approximately one year ago, and the most recent photograph available was taken two years ago.’
Investigators attempted to contact Melodee and her mother, Ashlee Buzzard, at their home in Lompoc – about 60 miles north of Santa Barbara.
However, neither of them were there at the time and ‘no clear explanation was provided’ for the girl’s whereabouts.
On Wednesday night, deputies returned to the home and Ashlee was there, but her daughter was not, according to ABC News.
Melodee Buzzard, nine, was reported missing on Tuesday after a school administrator realized she had been absent for a year
Investigators went to Buzzard’s home in Lompoc – about 60 miles north of Santa Barbara – but she was not there
Police eventually located her mother, Ashlee Buzzard, but said ‘no clear explanation was provided’ for her daughter’s whereabouts
The sheriff’s office confirmed to the Daily Mail that the mother and daughter are the only two known residents of the home.
It is unknown if Melodee’s disappearance is considered suspicious or if investigators suspect foul play, but she is listed as ‘a missing at-risk child’.
Investigators are asking anyone with information regarding her whereabouts to come forward.
‘Sheriff’s detectives are urging anyone who may have seen Melodee or had any contact with her in the past year to come forward,’ the department said.
‘Even small details may be critical in helping investigators ensure her safety.’
Sheriff’s office spokesman Raquel Zick added: ‘We really want folks to keep an eye out and send in any information they might have about her.’
