A key prosecution witness in the capital murder trial of Ibraheem Yazeed testified Wednesday that he traveled with what he believed to be the body of Aniah Blanchard in a pickup truck, observing boots sticking out from beneath a wrapped object.
Background
Aniah Blanchard, 19, was last seen at an Auburn convenience store on October 23, 2019. Surveillance footage captured Yazeed at the same store at the time Blanchard was last seen, according to investigators. A witness at the store claimed seeing Yazeed force Blanchard into her vehicle.
The following month, investigators found Blanchard's scattered remains on County Road 2 in Macon County after being led to the location by witness Antwon "Squirmy" Fisher.
Yazeed is currently on trial in Tuskegee, Alabama, facing three capital murder counts in connection with Blanchard's death.
The Investigation
Witness Antwon Fisher took the stand Wednesday and recounted events from October 24, 2019. Fisher testified that Yazeed arrived at his home seeking a ride, claiming the black SUV he was driving had run out of gas.
At the time, Fisher and his family were living with his former father-in-law, David "Big Dave" Johnson Jr. Johnson testified earlier this week that he handed Fisher the keys to his truck and told him to give Yazeed a ride.
Fisher stated he had consumed a mixture of marijuana, Percocet and Xanax on the night in question. After retrieving gas for the SUV, Yazeed drove the vehicle to an apartment complex off Atlanta Highway before getting into Johnson's truck with Fisher.
According to Fisher's testimony, he passed out due to the drugs and awoke on a dirt road near a cemetery. He observed Yazeed dragging something wrapped with boots visible protruding from the wrapping.
Fisher testified that Yazeed told him, "I'll make sure it doesn't touch you or your family." Yazeed then allegedly stated he had shot a "young lady" in the head during a tussle over a gun, according to court testimony.
Fisher returned the truck to Johnson the following afternoon after dropping Yazeed off at a plasma center.
Key Takeaways
- Ibraheem Yazeed faces three capital murder counts in connection with Aniah Blanchard's 2019 death
- Witness Antwon Fisher testified Yazeed showed him a wrapped object with boots sticking out
- Yazeed allegedly admitted to shooting a "young lady" during a struggle over a gun
- Investigators found Blanchard's remains on County Road 2 after Fisher led them to the location
- Yazeed was captured on surveillance footage at the same Auburn convenience store where Blanchard was last seen
- The trial continues in Tuskegee County Circuit Court
What's Next
The capital murder trial in Tuskegee continues with additional witnesses expected to testify. The prosecution has not indicated when they expect to rest their case.