Indiana Teen Found Dead in Ohio; Man She Met Online Leads Police to Body, Attorney Says

FISHERS, Ind. — The search for a missing Indiana teenager has ended in tragedy. Authorities now believe a body recovered over the weekend in rural Ohio is that of 17-year-old Hailey Buzbee, who vanished from her Fishers home on January 5. The grim discovery came after the man arrested in connection with her disappearance led investigators to the site, according to his attorney.

The case, which initially was treated as a potential runaway situation, escalated into a multi-state investigation. Fishers Police Chief Ed Gebhart stated at a Sunday briefing that 39-year-old Tyler Thomas admitted to picking Buzbee up from her home after the two connected through online gaming. Thomas claimed he later dropped her off along a road in western Ohio, a statement investigators now dispute.

"Evidence indicates the pair stayed briefly at a short-term rental property after meeting," Chief Gebhart revealed during the press conference. "However, she was not located at that address."

Thomas was arrested on felony charges of possessing sexually oriented material involving a minor and tampering with evidence. He has not been charged in connection with Buzbee's death at this time. Online jail records show he is being held at the Franklin County jail.

In a statement to PEOPLE, Thomas's defense attorney, Samuel Shamansky, confirmed his client's cooperation. "Upon our engagement Friday, Mr. Thomas made the decision to assist law enforcement in locating Ms. Buzbee's body," Shamansky said. "That was of paramount importance to him and to us." He added that they intend to plead not guilty to the current charges and any future charges related to the teen's death.

The Fishers Police Department acknowledged the recovery of a body in Perry County, Ohio, but declined to confirm the attorney's account, stating an official identification by the coroner is pending. The Perry County Coroner's office was unavailable for comment Monday.

The community of Fishers is mourning the loss. Mayor Scott Fadness remembered Buzbee as "a bright light in her family" and a young woman who "lived with a tremendous amount of promise and hope."

Analysis: This case highlights the persistent dangers of online interactions for minors, despite increased awareness. The rapid shift from a 'runaway' to an 'endangered missing juvenile' classification underscores the critical hours following a disappearance. The suspect's decision to lead police to the body, while potentially a legal strategy, adds a complex layer to a devastating outcome for the victim's family.

Reaction:

• David Chen, Child Safety Advocate: "This is every parent's nightmare in the digital age. It reiterates the urgent need for ongoing conversations about online safety and the real people behind screen names."
• Maria Rodriguez, Fishers Resident: "My heart breaks for Hailey's family. The thought that someone could come into our community and do this is terrifying. We need to hug our kids tighter and be more vigilant than ever."
• Gregory "Gray" Simmons, Online Commentator: "Where was the oversight? A 39-year-old man and a 17-year-old girl 'meeting online'? This isn't just a crime; it's a systemic failure of parental and platform responsibility. These tech companies profit from connection but shirk all accountability for the predation they facilitate!"
• Dr. Lisa Ford, Forensic Psychologist: "The suspect's alleged actions—from the initial contact to the eventual cooperation—will be central to understanding motive and constructing a timeline. Cooperation in locating a victim does not equate to innocence, but it is a significant factor in the legal process."

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.