It’s likely those charges will be upgraded to murder. In addition,
a third suspect has been taken into custody: David Lee Johnson Jr., of Montgomery, Alabama. Johnson has been charged with hindering prosecution.
“I can confirm that human remains have been found and we have good reason to suspect they are that of Aniah Blanchard,” District Attorney Brandon Hughes told
WRBL News 3.
“During the course of the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Aniah Blanchard, investigators obtained information regarding the possible location of a body. On November 25, 2019, at approximately 10:45 a.m., Auburn Police, along with members of the Task Force, Lee County DA’s Office, U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, ALEA and Montgomery County Sheriff Office, responded to a wooded area in the 38,000 block of County Road 2 in Shorter, Alabama,” the statement read.
“After a brief search by Investigators they located what appeared to be human remains several feet into the woodline. A complete investigation is underway by ALEA and Auburn Police to determine the identity and how the victim came to be at that location. The examination will explore if the remains are those of Aniah Blanchard who went missing on October 24, 2019.”
This past weekend, a second suspect, Antwon “Squirmy” Fisher was arrested. He was also charged with first-degree kidnapping. Fisher
has a previous conviction for murder, while Yazeed was
on bond for attempted murder, two counts of first-degree kidnapping and two counts of first-degree robbery in connection with an unrelated case earlier this year. Both Fisher and Yazeed have been denied bail in Blanchard’s case, while David Lee Johnson Jr. is being held on a $7,500 bond.
Tragically, it emerged at a probable cause hearing earlier this month that an eyewitness saw Blanchard being forced into her vehicle against her will on the night of October 23. However, the
witness did not come forward, according to Auburn Police Investigator Josh Mixon, because his girlfriend “told him it was none of his business and to stay out of it.”
Third Suspect Arrested, Human Remains Located in Aniah Blanchard Case
***I’m in shock. Again. Seems I can’t stay out of it. Nor can any of us as true WSers. I just heard the sad news from a friend (thank you friend). We hear so much about the inhumane depravity in our world. At times, it takes deliberate seeking of goodness around us to ward off becoming cynical of society’s evils. Fortunately, the singing I hear in the other room from my twelve year old granddaughter is a blessing of a beautiful and innocent presence surrounding me. A click of this site gives me an automatic visual of the care from so many of us posting and writing. I’m sure there are many reading here who are affected but rarely post. This energy is gifted into the world. This spirit makes a difference. With this Thanksgiving, I count so many of you as a community blessing. We all know ~ no matter ~ good overcomes evil. May Aniah’s family and their suffering be eased as they face and feel their grief.