The disappearance of 17-year-old Hailey Buzbee has escalated into a multi-agency homicide investigation spanning Indiana and Ohio, following the arrest of 39-year-old Columbus resident Tyler Thomas. What began as a missing person report in early January has since developed into a case involving serious criminal allegations, digital evidence, and an intensive search effort by law enforcement across multiple jurisdictions.
Authorities now believe Buzbee is deceased, though formal charges directly related to her death have not yet been filed. The unfolding investigation has raised urgent questions about online exploitation, interstate movement of minors, and the complexities of prosecuting crimes involving digital evidence.
Timeline of Hailey Buzbee’s Disappearance and Escalation of the Case
Hailey Buzbee, a 17-year-old from Fishers, Indiana, was reported missing in early January. Initially treated as a missing juvenile case, the investigation intensified rapidly as police gathered information suggesting she may be in danger. On January 19, the Fishers Police Department formally upgraded the matter to an “endangered missing juvenile” case, signaling heightened concern for her safety and an increased allocation of investigative resources.
According to court documents, investigators believe that on January 6, Tyler Thomas traveled from Ohio to another state to pick up Buzbee and then transported her back to Columbus. This interstate movement became a central focus of the investigation, as it raised both jurisdictional and federal concerns. Authorities stated that Buzbee was last known to be in Thomas’s company, a fact that significantly shaped the direction of the case.
As police traced Buzbee’s movements, they identified multiple locations where she was believed to have stayed while with Thomas. These included his residence in Columbus and a short-term rental property in Hocking County, Ohio. The involvement of multiple counties and states prompted collaboration between the Fishers Police Department, the Columbus Division of Police Homicide Unit, and the Hocking County Sheriff’s Office.
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In the days following the missing person report, Indiana police encountered Thomas during the course of their investigation. At that time, Thomas allegedly provided an account of events that would later be contradicted by evidence. He initially told officers that he had dropped Buzbee off on the side of a road in western Ohio. Investigators later determined this statement to be false, further intensifying scrutiny of his role in her disappearance.
Body of missing Indiana teen: Hailey Buzbee recovered in Ohio. Suspect Tyler Thomas of Columbus Ohio has been arrested and seems to be talking with Law Enforcement. #truecrime #crime #indiana #ohio #columbus pic.twitter.com/19V1S6yHl2
— Captain (@truecrimegarage) February 3, 2026
As the search expanded, law enforcement agencies conducted coordinated operations using aerial drones, K-9 units, and ground search teams. These efforts underscored the seriousness with which authorities were treating the case and reflected growing concern that Buzbee’s disappearance involved criminal activity. During a subsequent news conference, Fishers Police Chief Ed Gebhart confirmed that investigators were now treating the case as a homicide, though he emphasized that Thomas had not yet been formally charged in connection with Buzbee’s death.
Charges Filed Against Tyler Thomas and Evidence Recovered
Tyler Thomas was arrested and charged in Franklin County Municipal Court with pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor and tampering with evidence. While these charges do not directly accuse him of causing Buzbee’s death, they are closely tied to the circumstances surrounding her disappearance and the evidence uncovered during the investigation.
Court records indicate that investigators executed a search warrant at Thomas’s home and on his electronic devices on January 21. During that search, police reported finding videos and photographs on his mobile phone depicting a minor engaged in sexual acts. Authorities described this material as child sexual abuse material involving a juvenile. The discovery of such content formed the basis for the pandering charge and added a grave dimension to the case.
The tampering with evidence charge relates to allegations that Thomas attempted to mislead investigators or interfere with the investigation. His initial claim that he dropped Buzbee off along a roadway, which was later determined to be false, is believed to be a key element supporting this charge. Prosecutors often rely on such inconsistencies, combined with digital and physical evidence, to establish intent and obstructive behavior.
Investigators also believe that Thomas and Buzbee met through online gaming platforms, a detail that has drawn attention to the risks associated with online interactions between minors and adults. Law enforcement officials have increasingly warned that gaming and social platforms can be used to establish contact and build trust, sometimes leading to exploitation or harm. In this case, the alleged online connection is a crucial factor in understanding how Thomas and Buzbee came into contact and why she may have traveled across state lines to meet him.
Thomas was booked into the Franklin County jail following his arrest. On Sunday, he was placed on furlough with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, suggesting that federal authorities are now actively involved in aspects of the case. His attorney, Sam Shamansky, stated that Thomas is working closely with federal and local authorities, though no further details were provided regarding the nature of that cooperation.
Despite the serious charges already filed, Chief Gebhart has reiterated that Thomas has not been charged in connection with Buzbee’s death at this time. However, he confirmed that Thomas has been named a suspect and that the investigation remains ongoing. Law enforcement officials have emphasized that additional charges could be filed as the case progresses and as more evidence is analyzed.
Multi-Agency Investigation and Ongoing Homicide Inquiry
The investigation into Hailey Buzbee’s disappearance and presumed death involves a coordinated effort among multiple law enforcement agencies across state lines. The Fishers Police Department in Indiana is working closely with the Columbus Division of Police Homicide Unit and the Hocking County Sheriff’s Office in Ohio. This level of collaboration reflects both the complexity of the case and the seriousness of the allegations involved.
Chief Ed Gebhart has publicly confirmed that investigators are treating the case as a homicide, a determination that marks a significant turning point in the inquiry. While authorities have not publicly detailed the evidence leading them to this conclusion, such a classification typically indicates that investigators believe criminal actions resulted in the victim’s death. This designation also allows law enforcement to deploy additional resources and pursue investigative avenues that may not be available in a missing person case.
Search efforts have been extensive and methodical. Authorities have conducted coordinated searches using drones to cover large areas from the air, K-9 units trained to detect human scent, and ground teams to search specific locations of interest. These operations have focused on areas where investigators believe Buzbee may have been taken or where evidence related to her disappearance might be found.
The involvement of the Federal Bureau of Investigation adds another layer to the case. Federal authorities often become involved when investigations cross state lines, involve potential violations of federal law, or require specialized resources. Given the allegations of transporting a minor across state boundaries and the discovery of alleged child sexual abuse material, federal jurisdiction and expertise may play a significant role moving forward.
Thomas is scheduled to appear in court on Monday, where the current charges will be formally addressed. Court proceedings at this stage typically focus on bail, preliminary hearings, and procedural matters, rather than the full presentation of evidence. However, these hearings can provide additional insight into the direction of the prosecution and whether investigators anticipate filing further charges.
As the investigation continues, authorities have indicated that they remain focused on uncovering the full circumstances surrounding Hailey Buzbee’s disappearance and death. Law enforcement officials have urged the public to remain patient as they work through a large volume of digital and physical evidence. They have also emphasized the importance of inter-agency cooperation in cases that span multiple jurisdictions and involve complex allegations.
The case has drawn significant public attention, both because of Buzbee’s age and because of the disturbing nature of the allegations against Thomas. It has also highlighted broader concerns about online safety for minors and the challenges law enforcement faces in tracking digital interactions that can quickly cross geographic boundaries.
While many questions remain unanswered, investigators have made clear that the inquiry is active and ongoing in Ohio. The coming weeks are likely to bring further developments as forensic analysis continues and as prosecutors evaluate whether additional charges, including those related to homicide, are warranted.