The Murder Sheet
Episode: "The Murder of Hailey Buzbee: The Federal Case"
Date: February 16, 2026
Hosts: Áine Cain (journalist) & Kevin Greenlee (attorney)
Main Theme:
An in-depth examination of the murder of 17-year-old Hailey Buzbee, the federal charges against her accused killer Tyler Nike Thomas, and the broader implications of online child exploitation. The episode combines reportorial breakdown of charging documents, legal analysis, and a sobering look at the dangers young people face online.
Episode Overview
This episode covers the heartbreaking case of Hailey Buzbee’s disappearance, exploitation, and murder. Áine Cain and Kevin Greenlee analyze the federal criminal complaint against Tyler Nike Thomas, review how law enforcement pieced together the case, and discuss the larger issue of internet-facilitated child exploitation. The episode is intensely detailed, sometimes graphic, and underlines the importance of discussing uncomfortable realities to inform and protect the public, particularly parents.
Content Warning: Graphic discussion of child sexual abuse, exploitation, and violence.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Background and Timeline of Hailey’s Disappearance
- Hailey disappeared from her Fortville, Indiana home during the night of January 5–6, 2026, leaving behind a note claiming she ran away ([01:47]).
- Police initially classified her as a runaway, then later as an endangered missing juvenile.
- Law enforcement and her parents immediately began searching for leads, including tracking her digital activity.
“On the morning of January 6, 2026, the parents of minor victim awoke to find that minor victim was missing ... they found a note ... asking that no one search for her.” —Kevin Greenlee [10:47]
2. Emergence of Tyler Nike Thomas as Suspect
- Police traced a suspicious black Acura SUV near Hailey’s home and linked it to Thomas, who lived in Columbus, Ohio ([21:18]).
- Thomas’ digital and travel patterns connected him to Hailey’s disappearance, as did communication records from Discord and other apps.
“Fisher’s PD tracked the vehicle’s pattern of life ... and noticed it traveling eastbound away from Fishers, Indiana. ... Jane Doe confirmed that Thomas may have been driving the vehicle at that time.” —Kevin Greenlee [21:18]
3. Interstate Movement & Federal Jurisdiction
- Thomas transported Hailey from Indiana to Ohio—the interstate nature of the crime justified federal charges ([04:27]).
- Federal charges include sexual exploitation of a minor and travel in interstate commerce with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct ([04:52]).
“For one thing, if a crime involves activity in two different states, then ... you file it in federal court.” —Kevin Greenlee [04:27]
4. Law Enforcement Investigation Tactics
- Digital Forensics: Emergency disclosures requests to Apple and cell carrier analyses allowed police to track devices and communication ([16:03]).
- Surveillance Footage: Local doorbell cameras captured a black minivan's movements, triangulating possible timelines ([15:04]).
- Vehicle & Financial Records: Flock camera technology traced the suspect’s vehicle across state lines; bank records revealed prior visits and purchases connecting Thomas with Hailey ([34:16]).
“This vehicle showed up on some footage from another neighbor as well ... triangulating this vehicle’s movements.” —Anya Cain [15:04]
5. Suspect Interrogation and Contradictions
- Thomas admitted to picking up Hailey but claimed he dropped her off at her request in Ohio; his story contradicts digital evidence ([28:33], [29:25]).
- He confessed to meeting Hailey online and communicating via Discord and other secure apps.
- Notably, Thomas used "Session," an encrypted messaging app unfamiliar even to the hosts, highlighting how predators shift platforms rapidly ([28:54]).
“Have you ever heard of this Session app before?” —Anya Cain [28:54]
6. Digital Evidence and Attempted Cover-up
- Forensic phone extraction uncovered deleted or hidden communications, including Snapchat messages and cached images connecting Thomas to Hailey ([35:01], [36:49]).
- Thomas attempted to scrub devices and use secure folders and app deletion to hide activity.
“Salter was able to figure out that Snapchat was on Thomas's phone, but at some point was uninstalled before the forensic extraction. So, again, attempts to delete evidence.” —Anya Cain [37:20]
7. Graphic Evidence and Pattern of Predatory Behavior
- Digital evidence included CSAM (child sexual abuse material) involving both Hailey and unrelated minors, as well as disturbing conversations revealing violent sexual fantasies directed toward minors ([40:21]).
“He clearly has fantasies about committing violent acts on someone underage.” —Kevin Greenlee [41:39]
- Salter, the FBI agent, found images, messages, and photographs confirming prior in-person interactions and sexual abuse ([35:01]-[45:06]).
- The severity and extent of evidence prompted a criminal complaint and subsequent arrest ([45:07]).
8. Recovery of Hailey’s Remains
- Thomas, in the company of law enforcement and his lawyer, led authorities to Hailey’s burial site at the North Country Trail trailhead in Wayne National Forest ([45:07]).
- Her dismembered body was recovered; DNA matched her identity ([46:56]).
“Upon arrival, Thomas, his attorney and the transporting officers ... met with personnel ... the parties all walked to a location ... where Thomas pointed out that Haley’s body was buried.” —Anya Cain [45:07]
9. Legal Proceedings and Current Status
- As of the episode recording, Thomas faces federal charges related to child sexual exploitation and interstate travel for illicit conduct, but not yet for homicide ([05:28]).
- Hosts expect murder charges to follow based on evidence ([46:56]).
“If he knows where the body is buried, he clearly has guilty knowledge ... I would expect there ultimately to be some sort of charges filed in connection with her death against him.” —Kevin Greenlee [46:56]
10. Impact on the Community & Advocacy
- Community mourning is evident, with local fundraisers and visible displays of solidarity ([47:19]).
- Hosts emphasize the ongoing threat of online predators and advocate public awareness, digital safety, and open dialogue.
“This never should have happened to this young girl. And my heart goes out to her family. ... It just makes me so sad and angry for her.” —Anya Cain [47:19]
Notable Quotes & Timestamps
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On the investigative process:
“Justice is on its own timeline ... it could take a while to look at autopsy and rule things out or rule things in and perform things in the proper way.” —Anya Cain [06:00]
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On the flood of secure apps for predators:
“The minute you turn around, there’s some new secure app that predators are using to speak to children online. I had never heard of Sessions, so that just hit me of like, if we’re doing that ...that’s what parents are up against.” —Anya Cain [28:54]
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On the disturbing nature of found evidence:
“They talk about a blue diamond pattern blanket that matches a blanket found ... they talk about her being fully nude. ... it's just the sexual abuse of a 17 year old girl.” —Anya Cain [43:26]
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On confronting hard truths:
“I think it’s important to talk about, and I just want to be clear ... our intentions there are to inform the public about just how bad it is out there.” —Anya Cain [06:00]
Timestamps for Important Segments
- [01:47] — Introduction to the case, background on Hailey’s disappearance
- [04:27] — Federal versus state charges explained
- [10:47] — Timeline of Hailey’s last known movements
- [15:04-16:03] — Neighborhood surveillance and digital forensics
- [21:18-23:34] — Flock camera and cell phone analysis link Thomas to Hailey
- [28:33-29:25] — Thomas’ police interview and emerging contradictions
- [36:49] — Recovered digital conversations confirming relationship
- [40:21-42:02] — Transcripts of disturbing, incriminating conversations with another minor
- [45:07-46:56] — Discovery and recovery of Hailey’s body
- [47:19-48:50] — Community response and personal reflections
Tone & Style
The hosts maintain an empathetic, journalistic, and detailed tone, interweaving legal expertise with advocacy for victim awareness and safety. They are explicit about the reasons for sharing graphic information—to inform and protect, not to sensationalize—with clear compassion for Hailey and her family.
Conclusion & Continuing Coverage
The episode concludes with a reminder of Hailey’s impact on her community and the continuing legal process against Thomas. Áine and Kevin reinforce the need for ongoing vigilance and public education as technology changes the landscape of crime and law enforcement’s response.
“We’ll be monitoring this and letting you guys know about further developments. ... But it seems like this is going to be a federal case going forward and we’ll be curious to see what happens next.” —Anya Cain [48:50]
For Further Support
- Dine to Donate for Hailey’s Family: Kitchen on Main, 8 S. Main St., Fortville, Indiana — 20% of today’s sales to her family ([47:19])
- Contact: tips and info at murdersheetmail.com