Aniah Blanchard's Body Identified, Police Say

AUBURN, AL — Police have confirmed what many already suspected: human remains discovered earlier this week in Macon County are those of missing 19-year-old Aniah Blanchard of Homewood. Auburn police made the announcement Wednesday.

"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," the Auburn PD statement said. "At this point, the case will move forward as a homicide investigation, and additional charges are forthcoming."

A team of anthropologists from Florida Gulf Coast University, the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences, the Macon County Sheriff’s Office and more than 100 first responders from throughout the area have been examining a wooded area in the 3800 block of County Road 2 in Shorter, Alabama, where the human remains were found Monday.

Gov. Kay Ivey issued a statement Wednesday afternoon upon hearing of the news. "I am heartbroken for the family of Aniah Blanchard," Ivey said. "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."

Blanchard, a student at Southern Union, was last seen Oct. 23. Three men have been arrested in connection with her disappearance.

Ibraheem Yazeed is charged with kidnapping, Antwain "Squirmy" Fisher is accused of disposing of evidence and aiding Yazeed and David Johnson was charged with hindering prosecution.

With the case now a homicide, additional charges against the three suspects are expected.