(NEW LEXINGTON) - The body of a missing Indiana teenager has been recovered in Perry County, Ohio, bringing a tragic development to an investigation that spans multiple states.
According to reporting from WCMH-TV in Columbus, 17-year-old Hailey Buzbee of Fishers was found during recovery efforts in southeastern Ohio. Over the weekend, the Fishers Police Department said evidence in the case led investigators to believe Buzbee was deceased.
Court records from Franklin County Court show that 39-year-old Tyler Thomas of Columbus has been charged with pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor and tampering with evidence. Investigators say a search warrant executed at a residence in the Victorian Village neighborhood uncovered sexual images and a video of Buzbee on digital devices belonging to Thomas.
Authorities said the material was found in deleted cache files. At this time, court records do not list charges related to homicide or kidnapping.
Ed Gebhart, chief of the Fishers Police Department, said Buzbee was reported missing Jan. 6 after leaving her home. Investigators later identified an unknown vehicle in her neighborhood the night she disappeared, which ultimately led them to Thomas. Police say the two met through online gaming.
According to investigators, Thomas told police he picked Buzbee up and later dropped her off, but evidence contradicted that account. Authorities also said the pair spent time at a short-term rental property in Hocking County, Ohio.
Thomas is currently being held in the Franklin County Jail on a $1.5 million bond. The investigation remains ongoing.