Aniah Blanchard Disappearance: Foul Play Suspected

AUBURN, AL — More than a week has passed since friends last heard from 19-year-old Aniah Blanchard. The Homewood resident and Southern Union student has been missing since Oct. 23, and police now suspect this is more than just a case of a missing person.

Auburn police said Thursday that evidence reveals that Blanchard was harmed, and that foul play was involved.

Gov. Kay Ivey announced Wednesday that a $5,000 reward is being offered in the case, and UFC President Dana White has added $25,000 to the reward total, as Blanchard's stepfather is mixed martial arts competitor Walt Harris.

White's offering came in the form of a video posted on Twitter:

Blanchard's vehicle was found in Montgomery Friday and showed signs of damage.

Lee County District Attorney Brandon Hughes issued a statement Wednesday saying foul play is a possibility. "This is a criminal investigation, obviously we’re approaching it as such," Hughes said. "We do not believe that Aniah would or did go missing on her own volition."

Anyone with information about Blanchard’s disappearance or how the vehicle was damaged, is asked to call police at 334-501-3140, the anonymous tip line at 334-246-1391 or the 24-hour non-emergency number at 334-501-3100.