It’s been a troubling two weeks since authorities began probing the mysterious disappearance of Melodee Buzzard, a 9-year-old girl from California whose prolonged absence had gone unnoticed for an alarming duration. The case, which has captured national attention, is raising more questions with each passing day.

The situation came to light when officials from the Lompoc Unified School District reported Melodee missing after realizing she had not attended school for some time. Initially, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office noted that Melodee had been out of sight and contact for at least a year, sparking a desperate search for answers.

In a turn of events, authorities have since gathered evidence that Melodee was indeed seen during this period. Witnesses, including those from the School District and a local car rental business in Lompoc, have come forward. The Sheriff’s Office has released new security footage from the car rental location, believed to be the first images of Melodee in over two years.