Ibraheem Yazeed was sentenced to life on May 7 for the 2019 abduction and murder of 19-year-old Aniah Blanchard. Blanchard was taken from an Auburn, Alabama, gas station on Oct. 23, 2019; her body was found about a month later, and an autopsy ruled she died of a gunshot wound. A jury convicted Yazeed of murder and felony murder on March 19 after prosecutors dropped some capital counts; the case also led to the passage of Aniah’s Law in 2022.
“You Didn’t Win”: UFC Stepfather Confronts Killer as Ibraheem Yazeed Is Sentenced To Life For Aniah Blanchard’s 2019 Murder
Aniah Blanchard; Ibraheem Yazeed mugshotCredit: Auburn Police Department (2)
Ibraheem Yazeed, 36, was sentenced to life in prison on May 7 for the 2019 murder of 19-year-old college student Aniah Blanchard. Blanchard’s stepfather, former UFC fighter Walt Harris, faced Yazeed in court and told him, “You didn't win,” calling the moment an important part of the family’s long path toward justice.
What Happened
Blanchard, who attended Southern Union State Community College, was abducted from a convenience store at a gas station in Auburn, Alabama, on Oct. 23, 2019. A witness reported seeing a man force her into her vehicle and drive away. Roughly a month later, her body was discovered along County Road 2 in Macon County; an autopsy determined she died of a gunshot wound.
Trial And Sentencing
On March 19, a jury found Yazeed guilty of murder and felony murder after prosecutors pared down the original indictment. Prosecutors had initially pursued capital murder charges tied to kidnapping and robbery, and a third capital count related to a victim in a vehicle was dropped shortly before closing arguments. With the capital charges removed, the death penalty was no longer a sentencing possibility; the court imposed a life sentence on May 7.
Family Reaction
Speaking to reporters after the sentencing, Walt Harris described looking Yazeed in the eye as deeply meaningful. “It meant everything,” he said. “It’s something I’ve been waiting on and working toward for six-and-a-half years. We’re still grieving but it was important to look him in the eyes and let him know he didn't win and that we have the power. I wanted him to know evil didn't win. God always wins in the end.”
UFC Fighter Walt Harris speaks out about the sentencing of his stepdaughter's killerCredit: WTVM/YouTube
Blanchard’s mother, Angela Harris: “Now I’m thankful because this is justice as well and he’ll never get out. I know that with my whole heart.”
Elijah Blanchard, Aniah’s father, said the conviction also sends a message to other victims. “My daughter's name speaks now,” he said, adding he is relieved Yazeed will remain behind bars for life.
Broader Impact
The case spurred legislative change in Alabama: lawmakers passed Aniah’s Law in November 2022, expanding judges’ authority to deny bail to people accused of violent offenses. Court records indicate Yazeed was out on bond on unrelated kidnapping and attempted-murder charges at the time of Blanchard’s killing.
Yazeed had pleaded not guilty to the charges. His attorney did not respond to requests for comment following the sentencing.
The sentencing closes a chapter in a case that began with a witnessed abduction at an Auburn gas station and ended with a juried conviction and a life sentence for Yazeed.
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