Aniah Blanchard Confirmed Dead

On Wednesday, the worst was confirmed by Alabama Police as 19-year-old Aniah Blanchard was confirmed to be dead.

Blanchard had been missing since early October has been confirmed to be human remains found by Auburn Police this past week.

“It is with heavy hearts that we announce that the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences has positively identified the remains as those of Aniah Haley Blanchard,” Auburn Police said in a statement released on Wednesday. “At this point, the case will move forward as a homicide investigation, and additional charges are forthcoming.”

Blanchard, who is the stepdaughter of UFC heavyweight Walt Harris, was last seen outside a gas station in October, with evidence leading to three arrests, including that of 30-year-old Ibraheem Yazeed, who was identified as the person who forced Blanchard into a vehicle against her will outside a Chevron station in Auburn, Alabama.

Yazeed was already out on bond for separate charges including kidnapping and attempted murder.

Following her disappearance, Blanchard’s 2017 Honda CR-V was found outside a Mongomery, Alabama apartment complex with evidence of a “life-threatening” amount of blood which led to police to believe foul play was involved.

“I am heartbroken for the family of Aniah Blanchard,” Alabama Governor Kay Ivey said in a statement. “Like Alabamians across our state, I was praying for a much different outcome. I will be keeping them in my prayers and ask the people of Alabama to continue to do so as well.

“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. I appreciate the diligence of the Auburn Police Division, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and the many volunteers who were searching for Aniah. She is indeed loved and will be remembered by us all.”

Initial Report:  MMA Fighting