The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office has issued a critical update regarding the search for 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard. Officials have confirmed that Melodee was last seen with her mother, Ashlee Buzzard, on October 7.

Authorities believe Ashlee Buzzard may have traveled with Melodee in a white Chevrolet Malibu, potentially reaching as far as Nebraska. This car, however, was a rental and is no longer in her possession.

Concerns arose when Melodee was reported missing last Tuesday, as she hadn’t picked up her school assignments for several weeks. The FBI has since joined the investigation, starting Sunday night.