Executive Summary
- The FBI and local agencies are investigating the death of 17-year-old Hailey Buzbee after her remains were found in Ohio.
- Suspect Tyler Thomas has been charged with tampering with evidence and pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor.
- Forensic evidence was recovered from a short-term rental in Hocking County where detectives believe the death occurred.
- Defense attorney Sam Shamansky stated his client cooperated with authorities to locate the remains.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) released a formal statement on Wednesday regarding the ongoing death investigation of Hailey Buzbee, a 17-year-old Indiana teenager whose remains were recently discovered in southern Ohio. Authorities have identified 39-year-old Tyler Thomas of Columbus as a suspect in the multi-jurisdictional case.
According to the Hocking County Sheriff’s Office, Buzbee’s remains were located in the Wayne National Forest in Perry County. The FBI’s Cincinnati field office confirmed its active role in the inquiry, emphasizing the complexity of the investigation. “We are all deeply saddened by the events and offer our sincere condolences to Hailey’s family. The investigation is being driven by the pursuit of justice for Hailey,” the FBI stated, adding that there is no specific timeline for further updates due to the nature of the evidence gathering process.
Buzbee was originally reported missing on January 6. Fishers Police in Indiana allege that she left her home with Thomas the previous night. Columbus Division of Police Sgt. Joe Albert confirmed that detectives began assisting Indiana authorities on January 16. An affidavit filed in Franklin County Municipal Court places Buzbee at Thomas’ residence on Hunter Avenue in north Columbus prior to her death.
On January 21, homicide detectives executed a search warrant at Thomas’ home and examined his electronic devices. Law enforcement officials allege that child sexual abuse material involving Buzbee was discovered during the search. Thomas has since been charged with pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor and tampering with evidence.
The investigation subsequently led authorities to a short-term rental property in Hocking County, where detectives believe Buzbee was killed. FBI crime scene investigators and Hocking County deputies searched the property on Monday. The Hocking County Sheriff’s Office reported the recovery of forensic evidence suggesting a crime occurred at the location.
Sam Shamansky, the attorney representing Thomas, stated that his client cooperated with the FBI and other agencies by indicating where Buzbee’s remains were buried. Shamansky asserted that Thomas will plead not guilty “if and when he’s charged with a homicide in this matter.” At this time, Thomas has not been charged with homicide.
Investigative Scope and Legal Status
The involvement of the FBI highlights the logistical challenges of a case crossing state lines between Indiana and Ohio, as well as multiple county jurisdictions including Franklin, Hocking, and Perry. While investigators rely on forensic analysis from the rental property to establish a timeline of events, the current charges of tampering and pandering allow law enforcement to detain the suspect while a potential homicide case is developed. The complexity of processing evidence across these jurisdictions suggests a deliberate pace for future indictments. It is important to note that Tyler Thomas is presumed innocent of all charges until proven guilty in a court of law.
