Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Attorney Says Body of Indiana Teen Hailey Buzbee Found in Ohio as Suspect Remains in Custody

Authorities continue a multistate investigation after digital evidence tied the 17-year-old to a Columbus home and a Hocking County rental linked to Tyler Thomas.

Overview

  • Defense attorney Sam Shamansky said Monday that investigators recovered Buzbee’s body Sunday in Perry County, Ohio, adding that his client helped direct them to the location.
  • Tyler Thomas, 39, is jailed in Franklin County on charges of pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor and tampering with evidence, and he appeared in court Monday.
  • Police previously announced they believe Buzbee is deceased and said the case shifted to recovery operations before the reported discovery of remains.
  • Investigators say Buzbee met Thomas through online gaming; evidence placed her at his Columbus residence and a short-term rental in Hocking County, and court records describe explicit images and video on his devices and alleged deletion attempts.
  • Fishers Police, Indiana State Police, the FBI, and Ohio agencies continue the case, and a public petition for “Hailey’s Law” seeks new alert criteria and online predator education.