Aniah Blanchard's Killer Faces Trial After 6 Years

Ibraheem Yazeed charged with capital murder in 2019 killing of beloved college student

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Ibraheem Yazeed, now 36, is set to go on trial on Monday for the 2019 kidnapping and murder of 19-year-old Aniah Blanchard in Alabama. Yazeed, who was out on bond at the time, is charged with capital murder during a kidnapping, capital murder during a robbery, and capital murder involving a victim in a vehicle. Blanchard's death sparked a movement that resulted in Aniah's Law, which reformed Alabama's bail system. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for Yazeed, whose trial has been postponed multiple times.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges in the criminal justice system, particularly around bail reform and the need to bring violent offenders to trial quickly. Blanchard's death led to significant changes in Alabama's laws, underscoring the broader impact that high-profile crimes can have on public policy.

The details

Yazeed, who has a lengthy criminal history including attempted murder and kidnapping, is accused of abducting Blanchard from a convenience store in October 2019. Her vehicle was found the next day with blood evidence indicating a 'life-threatening injury.' Blanchard's remains were discovered several weeks later in a wooded area. The attorney general's office is prosecuting the case, and a visiting judge has been appointed to preside over the trial, which is expected to last about two weeks.

  • Blanchard was reported missing on October 24, 2019.
  • Her vehicle was recovered on October 25, 2019.
  • Blanchard's remains were found on November 25, 2019.
  • Yazeed's trial is scheduled to begin on March 4, 2026.
  • Jury selection is expected to take the entire week.

The players

Ibraheem Yazeed

A 36-year-old Montgomery man charged with capital murder in the 2019 killing of Aniah Blanchard. Yazeed has a lengthy criminal history, including previous charges of attempted murder and kidnapping.

Aniah Blanchard

A 19-year-old college student from Homewood, Alabama who was kidnapped and murdered in 2019. Her death sparked a movement that led to the passage of Aniah's Law, which reformed Alabama's bail system.

Angela Haley Harris

Aniah Blanchard's mother, who has asked for continued prayers and support as the trial begins.

Steve Marshall

The Alabama Attorney General, whose office is prosecuting the case against Yazeed.

Sarah Stewart

The Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court, who appointed a visiting judge to preside over the trial.

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What they’re saying

“This is an important and emotional time for our family, friends, community, state and for anyone and everyone that this has affected. We are asking for continued prayers, strength, and support as we walk through the days ahead.”

— Angela Haley Harris, Aniah Blanchard's mother (Facebook)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Monday whether to allow Yazeed to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This high-profile case has already led to significant changes in Alabama's criminal justice system, underscoring the importance of holding violent offenders accountable and ensuring the speedy resolution of such cases to provide closure for victims' families.