Tyler Thomas indicted in federal case regarding death of Hailey Buzbee

Tyler Thomas, 39, of Columbus, Ohio, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on nine charges following the death of 17-year-old Hailey Buzbee of Fortville, Indiana. The charges include kidnapping resulting in death, attempted enticement of a minor, sexual exploitation of a minor, and obstruction of justice. Federal prosecutors stated that the most serious charges are punishable by death.

Buzbee was reported missing from her home on January 6. Her remains were discovered on February 1 near a trailhead in the Wayne National Forest in Perry County, Ohio. Investigators allege that Thomas killed Buzbee, then dismembered and buried her body to obstruct the investigation.

Evidence in the case includes phone records showing Thomas's device traveling from Columbus to Fortville during the time of the disappearance, and subsequent tracking to the Logan area. Thomas had previously faced federal charges involving the sexual exploitation of a minor and interstate travel for illegal sexual activity.