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Man Charged in Abduction, Disturbing Evidence in Teen's Death

2/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

Tyler Thomas, 39, faces federal exploitation charges for abducting 17-year-old Hailey Buzbee from her Indiana home on January 6, 2023.
Prosecutors allege he engaged in sexual acts with her before her dismembered body was found in Ohio on February 2, 2023.
Investigators discovered disturbing messages and explicit photos on Thomas's devices, including conversations about violence.
Despite charges of pandering sexually oriented material and evidence tampering, Thomas claimed he believed Buzbee was "alive and safe."
He is currently held on a $1.5 million bond, with no charges filed in Buzbee's death yet.

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Story summary

Tyler Thomas, 39, faces federal exploitation charges for abducting 17-year-old Hailey Buzbee from her Indiana home on January 6, 2023.
Prosecutors allege he engaged in sexual acts with her before her dismembered body was found in Ohio on February 2, 2023.
Investigators discovered disturbing messages and explicit photos on Thomas's devices, including conversations about violence.
Despite charges of pandering sexually oriented material and evidence tampering, Thomas claimed he believed Buzbee was "alive and safe."
He is currently held on a $1.5 million bond, with no charges filed in Buzbee's death yet.