A 9-year-old girl, whose absence was reported earlier this month, had not been seen for over a year before concerns were raised. Her mother traveled out of state with her just days prior to the investigation but returned without her.

On Wednesday, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office shared new insights into the case of 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard. Her disappearance came to light after school officials realized they hadn’t been in contact with her for more than a year.