Remains found in Alabama identified as Aniah Blanchard, authorities say

The search for Aniah Blanchard, a 19-year-old Auburn girl that had been missing since late October, has tragically ended.

Remains found on Nov. 25 in Shorter, Alabama, have been positively identified as Blanchard’s, according to a press release from Auburn Police.

Several agencies, including the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, were led to the 38,000 block of County Road Two on Monday, following up on a tip about the location of human remains in the area. Blanchard’s remains were located several feet into the woodline.

Blanchard was first reported missing on Oct. 24. Police released surveillance footage of Blanchard on Oct. 28, which is thought to be the last time she was seen alive.

More than a week later, Ibraheem Yazeed, one of the persons of interest in Blanchard’s disappearance, was arrested in Pensacola, Florida and charged with first degree kidnapping.

David Johnson Jr. and Antwain Fisher were also arrested in Blanchard’s case, according to WVTM. Johnson has been charged with hindering prosecution, while Fisher has been charged with first degree kidnapping.

“I am heartbroken for the family of Aniah Blanchard,” Alabama Governor Kay Ivey said in a press release. “During this holiday season, it is easy to get distracted in the hustle and bustle, but I urge us all to remember those that are hurting.”

According to Auburn Police, the case will now move forward as a homicide investigation and expect to file more charges.

This story was originally published November 27, 2019 at 3:39 PM.