COLUMBUS, Ohio | A federal grand jury has indicted a 39-year-old Columbus man in connection with the disappearance and death of 17-year-old Indiana girl Hailey Buzbee, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio.
Tyler Nike Thomas faces a nine-count federal indictment stemming from allegations that he sexually exploited the teenager, transported her from Indiana to Ohio and murdered her.
According to federal court documents, Thomas allegedly met Buzbee online while playing video games, including Roblox and League of Legends. Prosecutors allege he first attempted to entice her into sexual activity in May 2024, when she was 15.
What prosecutors allege
According to the indictment:
- Thomas allegedly traveled from Columbus to Fortville, Indiana, overnight on Jan. 5 into Jan. 6, 2026.
- Prosecutors allege he picked up Buzbee and transported her to Ohio.
- His phone data allegedly placed him at an Airbnb in Logan on Jan. 6.
- The following morning, his phone data allegedly showed him near the North Country Trail Trailhead in Wayne National Forest for approximately five hours.
- The remains of Buzbee were later found in the area.
- Prosecutors allege Thomas attempted to obstruct the investigation by dismembering, burying and discarding the victim’s remains.
- Investigators also found deleted communications and other interactions between Thomas and Buzbee on his cellphone, according to federal officials.
The nine-count indictment includes charges related to kidnapping resulting in death, transportation and travel involving a minor for illegal sexual activity, sexual exploitation, attempted enticement of a minor, obstruction of justice and accessing digital material with the intent to view child pornography.
Some of the federal charges carry potential penalties ranging from lengthy prison sentences to life imprisonment or the death penalty, depending on the specific count and applicable law.
Thomas was initially arrested in January on a local charge. That charge was later dismissed after he was taken into federal custody and charged through a federal criminal complaint in February.
The investigation involved federal, state and local agencies in both Ohio and Indiana, along with search and rescue organizations.
Thomas has not been convicted of these charges. An indictment contains allegations only, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
