The attorney representing the suspect in the disappearance of 17-year-old Fishers resident Hailey Buzbee said Monday that remains believed to be Buzbee’s have been recovered in Ohio.
Attorney Sam Shamansky, who represents Tyler Thomas, 39, of Ohio, said officials in Perry County, Ohio, recovered what they believe to be Buzbee’s remains. Authorities have not yet publicly confirmed the recovery.
Buzbee was reported missing from Fishers, Indiana, on Jan. 6, after she was last seen leaving her home on Jan. 5, according to police.
Fishers police said Sunday they believe Buzbee is deceased. During a Feb. 1 press conference, Fishers Police Chief Ed Gebhart said investigators identified Thomas as the individual who picked Buzbee up from her Fishers home using traffic monitoring technology. Thomas later admitted to picking her up but initially claimed he dropped her off along a road in western Ohio — a statement police later determined was untrue.
Investigators said evidence later showed Buzbee had been at Thomas’ home in Columbus, Ohio, and at a short-term rental property in Hocking County, Ohio. Law enforcement agencies conducted extensive searches in the area using drones, K-9 units and ground searches. Police said Thomas later made statements indicating Buzbee is no longer alive.
Thomas is currently in custody in Ohio and faces two felony charges — tampering with evidence and pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor — according to court records. He has not been charged with murder. Court documents state that electronic devices seized from Thomas’ residence allegedly contained child sexual abuse material, including images of Buzbee. Police said Buzbee and Thomas are believed to have met through an online gaming platform.
Thomas appeared remotely in an Ohio courtroom Monday, where a judge set a $1.5 million cash surety bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 10. Investigators have said additional charges are possible as the case continues.
Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness said he met with Buzbee’s family prior to Sunday’s announcement and described her as a “bright light” with a promising future.
The Hamilton Southeastern School District said crisis response teams will be available throughout the school week to support students and staff. Two student demonstrations planned for Feb. 2 were postponed.
Authorities said confirmation of the remains and further updates will be released once official identification is completed.