A Columbus man charged with the kidnapping and death of a 17-year-old Indiana girl pleaded not guilty.
A federal grand jury indicted Tyler Thomas, 39, on several new charges in the death of Hailey Buzbee. The 17-year-old was last seen Jan. 5 at her home in Fishers, Indiana. The grand jury also issued special findings, which would make Thomas statutorily eligible for the death penalty.
Thomas did not appear in person at the brief arraignment hearing Oct. 5. His attorney, Sam Shamansky, entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.
Thomas is charged with committing an offense resulting in a death, kidnapping resulting in a death, obstruction of justice, traveling with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, enticement of a minor, transportation
of a minor with the intent of engaging in a criminal sexual act and sexual exploitation of a minor.
Thomas lead the FBI to Buzbee's remains in a wooded area off of the New Straitsville Trailhead to Wayne National Forest in Perry County, Shamansky previously said. According to police: Thomas met her through an online gaming platform, she left her home to meet Thomas on Jan. 6, and he drove her back to his Columbus home before taking her to a short-term rental in Hocking County. Federal prosecutors allege he dismembered and buried her body.
Before a federal grand jury indicted Thomas, he was initially accused of deleting a video of Buzbee performing a sex act.
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 it's not clear when that will happen. Buzbee's family will make a recommendation that the office will consider.
Shamansky said he does not believe the case will go to trial in 2026 because there is "a mountain of evidence" to review. He said he will move to continue the trial to a later date.
Buzbee's family declined to speak at length to media outside the courthouse, but said they planned to attend every hearing.
Thomas remains in federal custody. Shamansky said he will remain there through his trial.
Public safety and breaking news reporter Bailey Gallion can be reached at bagallion@dispatch.com.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus man charged in death of Hailey Buzbee, 17, pleads not guilty
