July 29, 2025 • 18 mins
A college student vanishes after a late-night stop at a gas station. Nineteen-year-old Aniah Blanchard had just texted a friend when she pulled into a convenience store in Auburn, Alabama—and was never seen again. Her car was found days later, abandoned and damaged, miles away from where she disappeared.
As investigators pieced together the timeline, surveillance footage showed a man inside the store at the same time as Aniah. He had a violent criminal history and was out on bond for attempted murder. But did their paths actually cross? What started as a missing persons case quickly turned into a race against time—and raised urgent questions about how he was free at all.
The case made headlines nationwide, fueled in part by Aniah’s stepfather, UFC fighter Walt Harris, whose public pleas brought widespread attention. For many, it became a symbol of a justice system that failed her. And years later, with no trial date set, her family is still waiting for answers.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/murder-u--6152042/support.
As investigators pieced together the timeline, surveillance footage showed a man inside the store at the same time as Aniah. He had a violent criminal history and was out on bond for attempted murder. But did their paths actually cross? What started as a missing persons case quickly turned into a race against time—and raised urgent questions about how he was free at all.
The case made headlines nationwide, fueled in part by Aniah’s stepfather, UFC fighter Walt Harris, whose public pleas brought widespread attention. For many, it became a symbol of a justice system that failed her. And years later, with no trial date set, her family is still waiting for answers.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/murder-u--6152042/support.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Nineteen year old Anayah Blanchard was just making a quick stop.
It was late, but the Chevron station off I eighty
five in Auburn, Alabama was brightly lit and only a
short drive from her home. She'd been texting with a
friend earlier that evening, talking about dinner, plans, life and
everything normal. Nothing felt out of place, But within hours,
(00:23):
Anayah was gone, her phone went silent, her car disappeared.
Soon the search for a missing college student would unravel
into something far more terrifying. Surveillance footage, blood evidence, and
a suspect with a violent past raised a chilling question,
how could a man like that still have been walking free?
(00:44):
The answer would shake the state, lead to a new law,
and devastate a family who just wanted their daughter to return.
Ab your be Hey, what's up everyone. I'm your host
Mattie and this is Murder You. Thanks for listening last
week and for checking out the new Murder You YouTube
channel if you haven't yet smashed that follow and subscribe
(01:06):
button and share the show with your friends. It's the
best way to help us reach even more true crime fans.
Each week, the cases get darker, the truth's more unsettling
A college student vanishes from a gas station. The tragic
case of Anayah Blanchard. Welcome to Murder you. An Abnormia original.
(01:46):
Anayah Hailey Blanchard was born on June twenty second, two thousand,
in Alabama. From a young age, she was known for
her bright smile, compassionate spirit, and love of sports. She
was especially close with her family, including her stepfather UFC
fighter Walt Harris, who often spoke about how much she
meant to him. Anyah graduated from Homewood High School, where
(02:10):
she was a standout athlete and played on the softball team.
After high school, she enrolled at Southern Union State Community
College in Opelica, Alabama, where she pursued a degree in
early childhood education. She dreamed of one day working with
kids and making a difference in their lives. At the
time of her disappearance, Anya was living independently for the
(02:31):
first time, navigating young adulthood with optimism and ambition. It
was not quite eleven p m. On October twenty third,
two thousand nineteen, when nineteen year old Anayah Blanchard pulled
into a Chevron gas station on South College Street in Auburn, Alabama.
She had been texting with a friend earlier that evening,
(02:51):
making plans to come by. The stop was quick. She
parked her black two thousand seventeen Honda c r V
when inside alone and grabbed a few items. Surveillance footage
shows her at the counter paying for a snack and
a drink. She glanced down at her phone. Nothing about
her behavior suggested fear or urgency, then she walked out
(03:14):
a frame. She never made it to her friend's house.
The following day. Her mother, Angela Harris, knew something was
wrong when Aniya missed her check ins and didn't show
up overnight. Angela started calling. Every call went straight to voicemail.
That wasn't normal. Anya always lets someone know where she is.
(03:37):
She lived in Auburn, but stayed in close contact with
her family in Homewood. Angela began calling hospitals and then
contacted the police. Her daughter wasn't answering and no one
had heard from her since the night before. Auburn police
officially filed a missing person's report on the afternoon of
October twenty fourth. Within hours, Anya's name and photo were
(04:00):
circulating online, as is so often the case with missing
black women and victims from other marginalized groups. Investigators initially
said they didn't believe Blanchard was the victim of foul play.
Unlike other cases, however, this one got plenty of attention
from the start, partly because Anaya had a famous stepfather.
(04:20):
Her family, along with her stepfather, UFC heavyweight Walt Harris,
took to social media to urge anyone with information to
come forward. As the story gained traction, strangers began helping too,
resharing posts, organizing search efforts, and distributing flyers across Auburn
and surrounding counties. It's a shame that it took having
(04:43):
a famous family member to pressure law enforcement into taking
the case of missing black women seriously. Still, at least
they were mobilizing the needed resources to search for Anaya.
Two days after Anya disappeared, police located her vehicle. A
resident in Montgomer, about fifty five miles southwest of Auburn,
(05:03):
reported an abandoned black SUV sitting near their apartment complex.
Officers confirmed it was Anaya's Honda cr V. It had
damaged to the passenger side, front fender and door damage
that hadn't been there before. The suv had been left
parked in an unusual spot, backed into a tight space. Inside,
(05:25):
police found evidence that immediately escalated the case. A significant
amount of blood. DNA testing later confirmed it belonged to Anaya.
At that point, detectives believed they were no longer dealing
with a voluntary disappearance. There were no signs that Anaya
had left on her own. Her purse and other belongings
were missing, and her phone showed no activity. Whoever had
(05:48):
taken her car to Montgomery had tried to hide it,
but hadn't bothered to clean it. As investigators worked backwards
from the abandoned vehicle, they reviewed Anaya's last known location,
the Chevron on South College Street. The surveillance footage confirmed
what the family already knew. She had gone into the
store alone around ten forty five p m. And was
(06:10):
last seen exiting just before eleven. But there was something
else in the video. A few minutes after Anaya entered,
a man walked in behind her. He didn't buy anything,
He lingered toward the back watching. When Anaya left, so
did he. The mysterious man wore a camouflage hoodie, dark pants,
(06:31):
and a black cap pulled low, His posture was hunched,
and his movements were deliberate. He walked behind Anaya in
the same direction, but never looked directly at the camera.
Police quickly released still images from the surveillance video and
requested assistance in identifying the man. Investigators had already received
(06:52):
a troubling tip. A witness saw a man matching that
description outside the gas station near a Naya's car. Rding
to the statement, he seemed to be forcing a woman
into the vehicle against her will. The police did not
yet have a name, but they were closing in on one.
Once they had a name, they discovered something even more alarming.
(07:13):
He never should have been on the streets to begin with.
The man seen on surveillance footage that night was identified
as twenty nine year old Ibraheim Yazid. He was already
known to law enforcement, not just in Auburn, but across
multiple counties. In fact, Yazid's criminal records spanned nearly a
decade and included charges ranging from robbery and assault to
(07:37):
attempted murder. At the time of Annaya's disappearance, Yazid was
out on bond already for a case that left another
man hospitalized In February twenty nineteen, Ibraheim Yazid was arrested
for a violent robbery that took place in Montgomery, Alabama.
According to court documents, Yazid and another man broke into
(07:59):
a hotel and attacked two men inside. One of the victims,
a seventy seven year old man, was beaten so severely
he was left with life threatening injuries and was reportedly
near death when authorities arrived. During the attack, the victims
were robbed of items including a Rolex watch, credit cards,
and a handgun. Yazid was charged with attempted murder, two
(08:23):
counts of first degree kidnapping, two counts of first degree robbery,
and possession of marijuana. Yazid's criminal history included prior violent offenses,
but despite his record and the severity of those charges,
a judge allowed Yazid to walk free. Just months later,
he crossed paths with Anaya Blanchard. NBC News spoke with
(08:45):
Anaya's stepfather, Walt about Yazide being given bond despite his
criminal record. To say the least, it's upsetting, Walt Harris
said of the man suspected of kidnapping and killing his stepdaughter,
that you have a wrap sheet as long as what
I've been told, and you're walking around free. It's confusing
how a person that bad and that evil can be
(09:06):
amongst us. According to investigators, Yazid was confirmed to have
been at the Chevron station within minutes of Anaya's arrival.
Surveillance footage showed him following her inside, watching her from
a distance, then walking out after she exited. What happened
next wasn't captured on camera, but a witness later told
(09:27):
police he saw Yazid forcing a woman into a black
suv outside the gas station. The witness didn't intervene, but
their statement became a key piece of evidence in the
case against Ibraheim Yazid. Cell phone data also placed Yazide
in the area that night. Auburn police worked quickly with
state and federal agencies to triangulate tower pings, track digital footprints,
(09:50):
and secure warrants. By early November, investigators had enough evidence
to issue an arrest warrant for Ibraheim Yazid on suspicion
of kidnapping. He was spotted days later in Escambia County, Florida,
over one hundred fifty miles from where Anaya had last
been seen a U. S. Marshal's Fugitive Task Force arrested
him at a motel. Yazid was reportedly found alone, hiding
(10:14):
in a room with visible injuries to his face and eye.
In public statements, police were careful not to declare Anya deceased,
but the charges filed against Yazide suggested what they now believed.
The kidnapping warrant included language that pointed to serious physical
harm and intent to terrorize, an indication that investigators no
(10:37):
longer viewed this as just an abduction. They were searching
for a victim, yes, but increasingly it looked like a recovery,
not a rescue. Back in Alabama, Yazid was booked into
the Lee County Jail without bond. Prosecutors immediately cited his
history of violent offenses and the outstanding charges still pending
(10:58):
in Montgomery. The fact that Yazid had been released on
bond while awaiting trial for attempted murder and now stood
accused in a second brutal crime sparked public outrage for
Anaya's family. The pain of her disappearance was now layered
with disbelief. They wanted more than justice, They wanted answers.
(11:19):
How could someone like Ibraheim Yazid, who was already facing
serious charges, have been allowed back on the streets. The
more that emerged about his background, the harder it became
to ignore that question. On November twenty five, twenty nineteen,
nearly a month after Anaya Blanchard vanished, investigators received a
tip that led them to a wooded area off County
(11:41):
Road to in Macon County, Alabama. There they discovered human
remains several feet into the tree line. The area was
remote and densely wooded, making it an unlikely spot for
someone to stumble upon by chance. Law enforcement believes the
location was chosen as the ideal dumping to conceal a body.
(12:02):
Two days later, the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences confirmed
that the remains belonged to a Naia Blanchard. An autopsy
revealed that she had died from a gunshot wound. The
discovery shifted the investigation from a missing person case to
a homicide. In the wake of this confirmation, charges against
Ibraheim Yazid were upgraded from first degree kidnapping to capital murder.
(12:27):
Prosecutors announced their intention to seek the death penalty. Yazid
was indicted on three accounts of capital murder during a kidnapping,
during a robbery, and involving a victim in a vehicle.
Two other men were also arrested in connection with the case.
Antwaine Squirmy Fisher was charged with first degree kidnapping, accused
(12:49):
of assisting Yazide in disposing of evidence and providing transportation.
David Johnson Junior faced charges of hindering prosecution. However, charges
against both men were later dismissed. Prosecutors stated that Fisher's
conduct did not meet the legal threshold for accomplice liability,
and Johnson's charges were dropped without prejudice. The discovery of
(13:12):
Anniah Blanchard's remains brought a measure of closure to her family,
but also intensified their grief. Angela Harris, Anyah's mother, expressed
profound sorrow over the loss of her daughter. The community
mourned alongside them, holding vigils and memorials to honor Anniah's memory.
As the legal proceedings against Yazid progressed, the case continued
(13:35):
to garner national attention, highlighting issues within the criminal justice
system and prompting calls for reform. At the time of
Aniyah Blanchard's abduction and murder. Ibrahemiya Zid was out on
bond for a separate case involving kidnapping and attempted murder.
Despite his extensive criminal history, which includes prior arrests for
(13:56):
robbery and assault, he had been granted bail. This decision
allowed him to remain free, ultimately leading to Anya's tragic death.
Anya's mother, Angela Harris, expressed profound frustration with the judicial system,
stating the justice system failed my daughter. Determined to prevent
(14:16):
similar tragedies, she became an advocate for bail reform in Alabama.
Her efforts culminated in the proposal of Anaya's Law, aimed
at expanding the criteria under which judges could deny bail
to individuals charged with violent crimes. Anya's Law was designed
to address the gaps in Alabama's bail system that previously
(14:39):
allowed repeat violent offenders to be released. The law permits
judges to deny bail to defendants charged with serious offenses
such as murder, kidnapping, rape, and other violent felonies. This
legislative change aims to enhance public safety by ensuring that
individuals who pose a significant threat to public safe remain
(15:01):
in custody pending trial. The Alabama House of Representatives passed
Anaya's Law in February twenty twenty, followed by the Senate
in April twenty twenty one. Governor k Ivy signed the
bill into law in June twenty twenty one. In November
twenty twenty two, Alabama voters approved the constitutional Amendment, solidifying
(15:23):
the law's placed in the state's legal framework. Angela Harris's
advocacy transformed personal tragedy into a catalyst for systemic change.
Her unwavering commitment to justice not only honors Anaya's memory,
but also serves to protect other potential victims from similar fates.
Nearly six years have passed since Anayah Blanchard's life was
(15:45):
cut short. Her family continues to await justice. The trial
for Ibraheim Yazid, the man accused of her murder, has
faced multiple delays. As of May twenty twenty five, it
is scheduled to begin in the spring of two thousand
twenty five. Anaia's mother has continued channeling her grief into advocacy,
(16:05):
ensuring that Anaya's story leads to meaningful change. Along with
getting Anaia's law enacted, ANGELA founded Anaya's Heart, an organization
dedicated to teaching self defense and promoting situational awareness. The
initiative aims to empower individuals, especially young women, to protect
themselves against dangerous predators like Ibrahim Yazid. Anaia's legacy is
(16:29):
one of resilience and transformation. Her family's unwavering commitment ensures
that her memory continues to inspire change and protect others.
Anaya Blanchard's story is one of profound loss that highlights
how holes in our justice system can lead to terrible
tragedies that could have been avoided. Ibrahim Yazid was out
(16:50):
on bail for nearly killing a seventy seven year old
man in a violent robbery. He had a long rap
sheet and should never have been allowed to kidnap and
kill Ani. In a CBS's forty eight Hours episode titled
Fighting for Anaya, Blanchard's roommate Sarah O'Brien revealed that one
of Anaya's biggest fears was being kidnapped or murdered. It's
(17:13):
just so heartbreaking to think about. Anya Blanchard's killer exploited
a loophole in Alabama law allowing him to destroy more
lives with his violent, psychopathic behavior. This case captured the
public's attention partly because of Anayah's UFC fighter stepfather, but
even more so because of who Anayah Blanchard is. She
(17:35):
was a bright, positive, and inspiring young woman whose life
was filled with promise. Everyone who knew her loved her,
which is why a crime like this devastates so many people.
As we conclude this episode, we remember Anaya not for
the tragedy that befell her, but for the light she
brought into the world, a light that continues to shine
(17:57):
through the lives she touches even now. Thanks for joining us,
and please remember if you or someone you know needs help.
Advocates that the National Domestic Violence Hotline are available to
talk confidentially with anyone in the United States who is
experiencing domestic violence, seeking resources or information, or questioning unhealthy
(18:18):
aspects of their relationship. Call one eight hundred and seventy
nine to nine safe seven, two three three. Be sure
to like and subscribe to Murder You podcast and don't
forget to watch on our YouTube channel.
Nineteen year old Anayah Blanchard was just making a quick stop.
It was late, but the Chevron station off I eighty
five in Auburn, Alabama was brightly lit and only a
short drive from her home. She'd been texting with a
friend earlier that evening, talking about dinner, plans, life and
everything normal. Nothing felt out of place, But within hours,
(00:23):
Anayah was gone, her phone went silent, her car disappeared.
Soon the search for a missing college student would unravel
into something far more terrifying. Surveillance footage, blood evidence, and
a suspect with a violent past raised a chilling question,
how could a man like that still have been walking free?
(00:44):
The answer would shake the state, lead to a new law,
and devastate a family who just wanted their daughter to return.
Ab your be Hey, what's up everyone. I'm your host
Mattie and this is Murder You. Thanks for listening last
week and for checking out the new Murder You YouTube
channel if you haven't yet smashed that follow and subscribe
(01:06):
button and share the show with your friends. It's the
best way to help us reach even more true crime fans.
Each week, the cases get darker, the truth's more unsettling
A college student vanishes from a gas station. The tragic
case of Anayah Blanchard. Welcome to Murder you. An Abnormia original.
(01:46):
Anayah Hailey Blanchard was born on June twenty second, two thousand,
in Alabama. From a young age, she was known for
her bright smile, compassionate spirit, and love of sports. She
was especially close with her family, including her stepfather UFC
fighter Walt Harris, who often spoke about how much she
meant to him. Anyah graduated from Homewood High School, where
(02:10):
she was a standout athlete and played on the softball team.
After high school, she enrolled at Southern Union State Community
College in Opelica, Alabama, where she pursued a degree in
early childhood education. She dreamed of one day working with
kids and making a difference in their lives. At the
time of her disappearance, Anya was living independently for the
(02:31):
first time, navigating young adulthood with optimism and ambition. It
was not quite eleven p m. On October twenty third,
two thousand nineteen, when nineteen year old Anayah Blanchard pulled
into a Chevron gas station on South College Street in Auburn, Alabama.
She had been texting with a friend earlier that evening,
(02:51):
making plans to come by. The stop was quick. She
parked her black two thousand seventeen Honda c r V
when inside alone and grabbed a few items. Surveillance footage
shows her at the counter paying for a snack and
a drink. She glanced down at her phone. Nothing about
her behavior suggested fear or urgency, then she walked out
(03:14):
a frame. She never made it to her friend's house.
The following day. Her mother, Angela Harris, knew something was
wrong when Aniya missed her check ins and didn't show
up overnight. Angela started calling. Every call went straight to voicemail.
That wasn't normal. Anya always lets someone know where she is.
(03:37):
She lived in Auburn, but stayed in close contact with
her family in Homewood. Angela began calling hospitals and then
contacted the police. Her daughter wasn't answering and no one
had heard from her since the night before. Auburn police
officially filed a missing person's report on the afternoon of
October twenty fourth. Within hours, Anya's name and photo were
(04:00):
circulating online, as is so often the case with missing
black women and victims from other marginalized groups. Investigators initially
said they didn't believe Blanchard was the victim of foul play.
Unlike other cases, however, this one got plenty of attention
from the start, partly because Anaya had a famous stepfather.
(04:20):
Her family, along with her stepfather, UFC heavyweight Walt Harris,
took to social media to urge anyone with information to
come forward. As the story gained traction, strangers began helping too,
resharing posts, organizing search efforts, and distributing flyers across Auburn
and surrounding counties. It's a shame that it took having
(04:43):
a famous family member to pressure law enforcement into taking
the case of missing black women seriously. Still, at least
they were mobilizing the needed resources to search for Anaya.
Two days after Anya disappeared, police located her vehicle. A
resident in Montgomer, about fifty five miles southwest of Auburn,
(05:03):
reported an abandoned black SUV sitting near their apartment complex.
Officers confirmed it was Anaya's Honda cr V. It had
damaged to the passenger side, front fender and door damage
that hadn't been there before. The suv had been left
parked in an unusual spot, backed into a tight space. Inside,
(05:25):
police found evidence that immediately escalated the case. A significant
amount of blood. DNA testing later confirmed it belonged to Anaya.
At that point, detectives believed they were no longer dealing
with a voluntary disappearance. There were no signs that Anaya
had left on her own. Her purse and other belongings
were missing, and her phone showed no activity. Whoever had
(05:48):
taken her car to Montgomery had tried to hide it,
but hadn't bothered to clean it. As investigators worked backwards
from the abandoned vehicle, they reviewed Anaya's last known location,
the Chevron on South College Street. The surveillance footage confirmed
what the family already knew. She had gone into the
store alone around ten forty five p m. And was
(06:10):
last seen exiting just before eleven. But there was something
else in the video. A few minutes after Anaya entered,
a man walked in behind her. He didn't buy anything,
He lingered toward the back watching. When Anaya left, so
did he. The mysterious man wore a camouflage hoodie, dark pants,
(06:31):
and a black cap pulled low, His posture was hunched,
and his movements were deliberate. He walked behind Anaya in
the same direction, but never looked directly at the camera.
Police quickly released still images from the surveillance video and
requested assistance in identifying the man. Investigators had already received
(06:52):
a troubling tip. A witness saw a man matching that
description outside the gas station near a Naya's car. Rding
to the statement, he seemed to be forcing a woman
into the vehicle against her will. The police did not
yet have a name, but they were closing in on one.
Once they had a name, they discovered something even more alarming.
(07:13):
He never should have been on the streets to begin with.
The man seen on surveillance footage that night was identified
as twenty nine year old Ibraheim Yazid. He was already
known to law enforcement, not just in Auburn, but across
multiple counties. In fact, Yazid's criminal records spanned nearly a
decade and included charges ranging from robbery and assault to
(07:37):
attempted murder. At the time of Annaya's disappearance, Yazid was
out on bond already for a case that left another
man hospitalized In February twenty nineteen, Ibraheim Yazid was arrested
for a violent robbery that took place in Montgomery, Alabama.
According to court documents, Yazid and another man broke into
(07:59):
a hotel and attacked two men inside. One of the victims,
a seventy seven year old man, was beaten so severely
he was left with life threatening injuries and was reportedly
near death when authorities arrived. During the attack, the victims
were robbed of items including a Rolex watch, credit cards,
and a handgun. Yazid was charged with attempted murder, two
(08:23):
counts of first degree kidnapping, two counts of first degree robbery,
and possession of marijuana. Yazid's criminal history included prior violent offenses,
but despite his record and the severity of those charges,
a judge allowed Yazid to walk free. Just months later,
he crossed paths with Anaya Blanchard. NBC News spoke with
(08:45):
Anaya's stepfather, Walt about Yazide being given bond despite his
criminal record. To say the least, it's upsetting, Walt Harris
said of the man suspected of kidnapping and killing his stepdaughter,
that you have a wrap sheet as long as what
I've been told, and you're walking around free. It's confusing
how a person that bad and that evil can be
(09:06):
amongst us. According to investigators, Yazid was confirmed to have
been at the Chevron station within minutes of Anaya's arrival.
Surveillance footage showed him following her inside, watching her from
a distance, then walking out after she exited. What happened
next wasn't captured on camera, but a witness later told
(09:27):
police he saw Yazid forcing a woman into a black
suv outside the gas station. The witness didn't intervene, but
their statement became a key piece of evidence in the
case against Ibraheim Yazid. Cell phone data also placed Yazide
in the area that night. Auburn police worked quickly with
state and federal agencies to triangulate tower pings, track digital footprints,
(09:50):
and secure warrants. By early November, investigators had enough evidence
to issue an arrest warrant for Ibraheim Yazid on suspicion
of kidnapping. He was spotted days later in Escambia County, Florida,
over one hundred fifty miles from where Anaya had last
been seen a U. S. Marshal's Fugitive Task Force arrested
him at a motel. Yazid was reportedly found alone, hiding
(10:14):
in a room with visible injuries to his face and eye.
In public statements, police were careful not to declare Anya deceased,
but the charges filed against Yazide suggested what they now believed.
The kidnapping warrant included language that pointed to serious physical
harm and intent to terrorize, an indication that investigators no
(10:37):
longer viewed this as just an abduction. They were searching
for a victim, yes, but increasingly it looked like a recovery,
not a rescue. Back in Alabama, Yazid was booked into
the Lee County Jail without bond. Prosecutors immediately cited his
history of violent offenses and the outstanding charges still pending
(10:58):
in Montgomery. The fact that Yazid had been released on
bond while awaiting trial for attempted murder and now stood
accused in a second brutal crime sparked public outrage for
Anaya's family. The pain of her disappearance was now layered
with disbelief. They wanted more than justice, They wanted answers.
(11:19):
How could someone like Ibraheim Yazid, who was already facing
serious charges, have been allowed back on the streets. The
more that emerged about his background, the harder it became
to ignore that question. On November twenty five, twenty nineteen,
nearly a month after Anaya Blanchard vanished, investigators received a
tip that led them to a wooded area off County
(11:41):
Road to in Macon County, Alabama. There they discovered human
remains several feet into the tree line. The area was
remote and densely wooded, making it an unlikely spot for
someone to stumble upon by chance. Law enforcement believes the
location was chosen as the ideal dumping to conceal a body.
(12:02):
Two days later, the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences confirmed
that the remains belonged to a Naia Blanchard. An autopsy
revealed that she had died from a gunshot wound. The
discovery shifted the investigation from a missing person case to
a homicide. In the wake of this confirmation, charges against
Ibraheim Yazid were upgraded from first degree kidnapping to capital murder.
(12:27):
Prosecutors announced their intention to seek the death penalty. Yazid
was indicted on three accounts of capital murder during a kidnapping,
during a robbery, and involving a victim in a vehicle.
Two other men were also arrested in connection with the case.
Antwaine Squirmy Fisher was charged with first degree kidnapping, accused
(12:49):
of assisting Yazide in disposing of evidence and providing transportation.
David Johnson Junior faced charges of hindering prosecution. However, charges
against both men were later dismissed. Prosecutors stated that Fisher's
conduct did not meet the legal threshold for accomplice liability,
and Johnson's charges were dropped without prejudice. The discovery of
(13:12):
Anniah Blanchard's remains brought a measure of closure to her family,
but also intensified their grief. Angela Harris, Anyah's mother, expressed
profound sorrow over the loss of her daughter. The community
mourned alongside them, holding vigils and memorials to honor Anniah's memory.
As the legal proceedings against Yazid progressed, the case continued
(13:35):
to garner national attention, highlighting issues within the criminal justice
system and prompting calls for reform. At the time of
Aniyah Blanchard's abduction and murder. Ibrahemiya Zid was out on
bond for a separate case involving kidnapping and attempted murder.
Despite his extensive criminal history, which includes prior arrests for
(13:56):
robbery and assault, he had been granted bail. This decision
allowed him to remain free, ultimately leading to Anya's tragic death.
Anya's mother, Angela Harris, expressed profound frustration with the judicial system,
stating the justice system failed my daughter. Determined to prevent
(14:16):
similar tragedies, she became an advocate for bail reform in Alabama.
Her efforts culminated in the proposal of Anaya's Law, aimed
at expanding the criteria under which judges could deny bail
to individuals charged with violent crimes. Anya's Law was designed
to address the gaps in Alabama's bail system that previously
(14:39):
allowed repeat violent offenders to be released. The law permits
judges to deny bail to defendants charged with serious offenses
such as murder, kidnapping, rape, and other violent felonies. This
legislative change aims to enhance public safety by ensuring that
individuals who pose a significant threat to public safe remain
(15:01):
in custody pending trial. The Alabama House of Representatives passed
Anaya's Law in February twenty twenty, followed by the Senate
in April twenty twenty one. Governor k Ivy signed the
bill into law in June twenty twenty one. In November
twenty twenty two, Alabama voters approved the constitutional Amendment, solidifying
(15:23):
the law's placed in the state's legal framework. Angela Harris's
advocacy transformed personal tragedy into a catalyst for systemic change.
Her unwavering commitment to justice not only honors Anaya's memory,
but also serves to protect other potential victims from similar fates.
Nearly six years have passed since Anayah Blanchard's life was
(15:45):
cut short. Her family continues to await justice. The trial
for Ibraheim Yazid, the man accused of her murder, has
faced multiple delays. As of May twenty twenty five, it
is scheduled to begin in the spring of two thousand
twenty five. Anaia's mother has continued channeling her grief into advocacy,
(16:05):
ensuring that Anaya's story leads to meaningful change. Along with
getting Anaia's law enacted, ANGELA founded Anaya's Heart, an organization
dedicated to teaching self defense and promoting situational awareness. The
initiative aims to empower individuals, especially young women, to protect
themselves against dangerous predators like Ibrahim Yazid. Anaia's legacy is
(16:29):
one of resilience and transformation. Her family's unwavering commitment ensures
that her memory continues to inspire change and protect others.
Anaya Blanchard's story is one of profound loss that highlights
how holes in our justice system can lead to terrible
tragedies that could have been avoided. Ibrahim Yazid was out
(16:50):
on bail for nearly killing a seventy seven year old
man in a violent robbery. He had a long rap
sheet and should never have been allowed to kidnap and
kill Ani. In a CBS's forty eight Hours episode titled
Fighting for Anaya, Blanchard's roommate Sarah O'Brien revealed that one
of Anaya's biggest fears was being kidnapped or murdered. It's
(17:13):
just so heartbreaking to think about. Anya Blanchard's killer exploited
a loophole in Alabama law allowing him to destroy more
lives with his violent, psychopathic behavior. This case captured the
public's attention partly because of Anayah's UFC fighter stepfather, but
even more so because of who Anayah Blanchard is. She
(17:35):
was a bright, positive, and inspiring young woman whose life
was filled with promise. Everyone who knew her loved her,
which is why a crime like this devastates so many people.
As we conclude this episode, we remember Anaya not for
the tragedy that befell her, but for the light she
brought into the world, a light that continues to shine
(17:57):
through the lives she touches even now. Thanks for joining us,
and please remember if you or someone you know needs help.
Advocates that the National Domestic Violence Hotline are available to
talk confidentially with anyone in the United States who is
experiencing domestic violence, seeking resources or information, or questioning unhealthy
(18:18):
aspects of their relationship. Call one eight hundred and seventy
nine to nine safe seven, two three three. Be sure
to like and subscribe to Murder You podcast and don't
forget to watch on our YouTube channel.
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