Thomas allegedly led authorities to the burial site over the weekend, sparing a massive search effort

 THE KILLER JUST SPOKE IN COURT… AND REVEALED HAILEY BUZBEE’S FINAL WORDS 

Tyler Thomas, the 39-year-old accused in the disappearance and death of 17-year-old Hailey, finally opened his mouth at the hearing.

He uttered just 7 chilling sentences… and the very last one? Hailey’s own desperate last words before everything went dark.

The courtroom fell silent. Her family shattered all over again. This isn’t just a case anymore—it’s a nightmare unfolding word by word.

Full details:

In a packed Franklin County courtroom, 39-year-old Tyler Thomas made his initial appearance on February 2, 2026, facing felony charges tied to the disappearance and presumed death of 17-year-old Hailey Buzbee. While no murder indictment had been filed at press time, the hearing drew intense scrutiny as Thomas—transferred briefly to federal custody for questioning—reportedly cooperated with investigators by directing them to the location of the teen’s remains in Perry County.

Thomas, held on $1.5 million bond, appeared via video or in person (details varied by outlet) for charges of pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor and tampering with evidence. Prosecutors alleged he possessed explicit images and a video of Buzbee, whom he met through online gaming, and attempted to delete evidence after her vanishing.

His attorney, Samuel Shamansky, told the court his client had “no intention” of posting bond and highlighted cooperation: Thomas allegedly led authorities to the burial site over the weekend, sparing a massive search effort. “He took law enforcement to the precise spot so they wouldn’t have to needlessly waste time and energy searching for a needle in a haystack,” Shamansky stated outside court, framing it as assistance in closure for the family.

Public interest surged around claims that Thomas spoke “7 sentences” during proceedings, including revelations about Buzbee’s last words. However, official transcripts and media coverage from outlets like WLWT, WRTV, and Court TV show no verbatim record of Thomas delivering exactly seven statements or quoting the victim directly in open court. The focus remained on procedural matters: bond set with strict conditions—no internet access, no unsupervised contact with minors, no firearms, no contact with Buzbee’s family, and no alcohol or drugs.

Fishers Police Chief Ed Gebhart earlier confirmed Thomas admitted picking Buzbee up from her Indiana home on January 5 but falsely claimed dropping her off roadside in western Ohio. Evidence showed she traveled to his Columbus residence and a short-term rental near Hocking Hills, where forensic traces suggested the incident occurred.

Buzbee, a high school student described by loved ones as kind and outgoing, vanished after 10 p.m. that night. Her family reported her missing January 6. Investigators traced a vehicle in her neighborhood to Thomas, leading to his arrest January 31 in Ohio. The FBI joined due to interstate elements.

Remains believed to be Buzbee’s were recovered Sunday, February 1 or 2, after Thomas’ cooperation, and sent for autopsy at Licking County Coroner’s Office. The FBI issued a statement: “We are all deeply saddened by the events and offer our sincere condolences to Hailey’s family. The investigation is being driven by the pursuit of justice for Hailey.”

No detailed courtroom quotes from Thomas about “last words” have surfaced publicly. Speculation on social media and forums suggested he may have made statements during interviews or implied details, but authorities have withheld specifics pending full charges. Shamansky emphasized cooperation without elaborating on content, saying only that Thomas helped resolve the location question.

The case underscores dangers of online interactions, especially between adults and minors via gaming platforms. Buzbee’s family launched searches and a GoFundMe for support, sharing photos of the smiling teen. Community vigils in Fishers and online tributes poured in after the remains announcement.

As the probe continues across jurisdictions—Fishers PD, Columbus PD, Hocking Hills Sheriff’s Office, Perry County, and federal agencies—questions linger: What exactly transpired in those final hours? Were there signs of struggle, coercion, or foul play? Forensic evidence from the rental property, including potential DNA or traces, could prove pivotal.

Thomas remains in custody, next court date set for February 20, 2026. If upgraded charges emerge, a trial could reveal more—including any alleged statements or victim accounts. For now, the courtroom offered no dramatic confession or quoted final pleas from Buzbee; instead, it highlighted a suspect’s limited cooperation amid profound loss.

Hailey Buzbee’s story has gripped the Midwest, reminding parents of online grooming risks. Her family grieves privately while awaiting full justice. “It’s hard to put into words,” one relative echoed in early statements. The pursuit continues, driven by evidence and the hope that truth will surface.