The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office has released a significant update regarding the investigation into the disappearance of 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard. According to the latest findings, Melodee was last seen with her mother, Ashlee Buzzard, on October 7.

Authorities have gathered evidence suggesting that Ashlee Buzzard may have traveled with Melodee in a rented white Chevrolet Malibu. This vehicle was reportedly driven to locations beyond Santa Barbara County, potentially reaching as far as Nebraska. It has been noted that Ashlee no longer has possession of this rental car.

The alarm over Melodee’s disappearance was raised last Tuesday when it was discovered that she had not collected her school assignments for several weeks. In response to the escalating concern, the FBI joined the investigation on Sunday night to assist local authorities in their efforts to locate the missing child.