Suspect Arrested in Ohio: Missing teen Hailey Buzbee believed to be deceased

FISHERS, Indiana — The search for a missing Indiana teenager has taken a tragic turn, with investigators announcing Sunday that a suspect connected to the case is currently in custody in Ohio.

During a press conference Sunday, the Fishers Police Department announced they believe 17-year-old Hailey Buzbee is deceased.

According to police reports, a 39-year-old male suspect named Tyler Thomas has been detained in Ohio in connection with the investigation.

Key Details

• Last Seen: Buzbee was last seen on January 5 in Hamilton County, Indiana.
• Disappearance: Investigators previously stated she likely left her home late on the night of January 5 or the early morning of January 6.
• Initial Status: Early reports indicated police believed she left willingly with a plan, originally categorizing her as a runaway.

Detectives tracked a vehicle seen in Buzbee’s neighborhood to Thomas, who allegedly admitted to picking her up. The investigation, which spans multiple jurisdictions and includes the FBI, suggests Hailey was with Thomas at a residence in Columbus and a short-term rental in Hocking County. While authorities believe Hailey died just days after her disappearance, a massive search involving drones and K9 units in Hocking County has so far failed to locate her body.

Summary of Charges

The defendant faces the following felony charges under the Ohio Revised Code (O.R.C.):

• Pandering Obscenity Involving a Minor (Creation of Material): A second-degree felony. The complaint alleges the defendant recorded or created material showing a minor engaging in sexual acts at a location on Hunter Ave.
• Tampering with Evidence: A third-degree felony. The complaint alleges the defendant altered or removed video evidence from a “deleted file” in the form of cache photos to impair an official investigation.
• Pandering Obscenity Involving a Minor (Possession)

Thomas was booked into the Franklin County Jail on January 31 and currently faces charges of pandering obscenity and tampering with evidence, though murder charges have not yet been filed. Police said the two met initially through online gaming.

Thomas is scheduled to appear in court on Monday, with his attorney,

Allegations

• The Incident: Police say the defendant “picked up” Buzbee from out of state. A video was created of the minor performing sexual acts, according to court documents.
• The Evidence: Police discovered “cache photos” on the defendant’s cellular phone that depicted the minor. These photos served as evidence of the original video, according to the documents.
• The Investigation: The actions occurred while an official missing person investigation for the juvenile was either in progress or about to be instituted.

This story was originally reported by WRTV in Indianapolis.