Tyler Thomas, 39, of Columbus, pleaded not guilty Monday to federal charges in the kidnapping and death of 17-year-old Hailey Buzbee of Fishers, Indiana, during a brief arraignment in federal court in Columbus.
A federal grand jury recently indicted Thomas on charges including committing an offense resulting in death, kidnapping resulting in death, obstruction of justice, traveling with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, enticement of a minor, transportation of a minor with intent to engage in a criminal sexual act, and sexual exploitation of a minor. Special findings by the grand jury make him statutorily eligible for the death penalty.
Buzbee was last seen alive Jan. 5 at her home in Fishers. Her body was found in February in Wayne National Forest in southeast Ohio; Thomas led the FBI to the remains in a wooded area off the New Straitsville Trailhead in Perry County.
Prosecutors allege Thomas met the teenager through an online gaming platform, drove her back to his Columbus home and then took her to a short-term rental in Hocking County. Thomas did not appear in person Monday; his attorney, Sam Shamansky, entered the not guilty plea on his behalf.
After the hearing, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Heather Hill and Emily Czerniejewski said the Executive Office for United States Attorneys will decide whether to seek the death penalty for Thomas, and the family’s recommendation will be considered. No timeline for that decision has been set.