Aniah Blanchard Kidnapping: Suspect Ordered To Submit DNA Sample

LEE COUNTY, AL — The suspect in the kidnapping of 19-year-old Aniah Blanchard has been ordered by a judge to submit a DNA sample to the prosecution, according to a WBRC report. Ibraheem Yazeed appeared in a Lee County court Wednesday.

District Judge Russell K. Bush, in addition to ordering the sample, also denied bond for Yazeed, according to the report. Yazeed has a long criminal history, dating back almost 10 years. Yazeed has been charged in the past with attempted murder, robbery, possession of a controlled substance, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of marijuana, attempting to elude law enforcement, drug trafficking and other charges.

When police recovered Blanchard's vehicle in Montgomery shortly after her disappearance, a significant amount of blood was found in the car, which indicated to police that Blanchard had been harmed. Blanchard has not been seen since Oct. 23.

Yazeed was captured by U.S. Marshals near the Alabama-Florida border Nov. 8.

Charging documents against Yazeed said he was witnessed "forcing Blanchard into a vehicle against her will and then leaving with her in the vehicle." According to WBRC, Detective Josh Mixon of the Auburn PD said the witness regrets not coming forward sooner, but was told by a female companion at the time not to get involved.

Judge Bush previously issued a gag order stating the parties and "any potential witnesses" are restricted from speaking to members of the media or making social media posts. A court hearing will be held December 4 to determine if that order will be lifted, according to the report.

Blanchard's father and stepmother — Birmingham attorney Yashiba Blanchard — as well as her mother, Angela Harris, and stepfather, UFC Heavyweight fighter Walt Harris, have been persistent in keeping their daughter's disappearance in the minds of people all over the state in hopes of eventually finding her alive.

Read the full WBRC report.