FISHERS, Ind. (WBBM Newsradio) – Police in Fishers now believe missing 17-year-old Hailey Buzbee is deceased, a conclusion officials described as heartbreaking following weeks of investigation.
The announcement came Sunday during a joint news conference involving Fishers police, the FBI and Indiana State Police. While Buzbee’s body has not been recovered, police say the case has shifted from a missing-person investigation to recovery efforts.
“Fishers, for as long as I can remember, our name is synonymous with family and family values,” Mayor Scott Fadness said. “And so it pains me today to let you know that after an extensive investigation, we feel that Hailey is deceased.”
Buzbee was last seen Jan. 5 after leaving her home in Fishers. Investigators say she had been communicating through online gaming with Tyler Thomas, a 39-year-old Ohio resident. Police say Thomas admitted to picking her up that night but later provided false information about where he left her.
“He admitted to picking Hailey up at her home,” Fishers Police Chief Ed Gebhart said. “He told us that he dropped her off on the side of the road in western Ohio. However, through continued investigations, his initial story was determined to be untrue.”
Investigators say evidence places Buzbee at Thomas’ home in Columbus and at a short-term rental property in Ohio. Based on that evidence and statements made by the suspect, police say they no longer believe she will be found alive.
Thomas was arrested in Franklin County, Ohio and remains in custody on felony charges associated with the investigation, including charges related to sexual material involving a minor and tampering with evidence. He has not been charged with Buzbee’s death.
Authorities say the FBI is continuing to provide technical and investigative support as the search for Buzbee continues. Police say they remain committed to recovering her body and holding those responsible accountable.
“This is not the outcome that any of us had wanted,” Gebhart said.