The FBI is continuing to investigate the disappearance and death of 17-year-old Hailey Buzbee.
Remains believed to be Buzbee were recovered Sunday after the Hocking Hills Sheriff’s Office said the suspect tied to the case, Tyler Thomas, 39, led police to the location where he said he had buried the teen.
The remains were sent to the Licking County Coroner’s Office for an autopsy and identification.
Thomas is being held at the Franklin County Jail on charges in connection with the teen’s disappearance. He has not been charged with murder at this time.
Buzbee was last seen alive around 10 p.m. on Jan. 5, and her family reported her missing the following day.
Police later determined Thomas admitted to picking her up at her home, saying they made contact with Thomas within days of Buzbee going missing.
Police say the two made contact through gaming online.
Initially, Thomas told investigators he had dropped Buzbee off along a road in western Ohio, but officers later determined that was not true.
Police conducted searches at Thomas’s home in Columbus and a short-term rental property near Hocking Hills. Investigators confirmed that Buzbee had been to both locations.
On Monday, the Hocking Hills Sheriff’s Office searched the rental property again, saying forensic evidence was recovered which may indicate the crime occurred in the rental.
“We are all deeply saddened by the events and offer our sincere condolences to Hailey’s family,” the FBI shared in a statement. “The investigation is being driven by the pursuit of justice for Hailey. Due to the many locations and jurisdictions involved, as well as the ongoing nature of the investigation, there is not a timeline for when more information can be released. This is dependent on where the facts and evidence lead and any resulting charges that may be filed.”
Thomas is facing charges of tampering with evidence and pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor, accused of having sexual images and a video of the teen on his phone.
Thomas is being held on a $1.5 million bond and will be back in court next Tuesday.