Jury Selection Underway in Aniah Blanchard Murder Trial

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Jury selection continues this week in the capital murder trial of 36-year-old Ibraheem Yazeed, the man accused in the 2019 abduction and killing of 19-year-old Southern Union student Aniah Blanchard. Court officials say the process has narrowed significantly from the original pool of about 450 potential jurors, and they expect to seat 12 jurors and 4 alternates by the end of the week. The trial itself could last about three weeks once it begins.

Why it matters

This high-profile case has drawn significant attention in Alabama, as Blanchard's disappearance and death sparked a massive search and investigation. The trial will provide long-awaited closure for Blanchard's family, who have attended nearly every court hearing over the past six years as the case has progressed.

The details

Yazeed has pleaded not guilty to three counts of capital murder, including murder during a kidnapping, murder during a robbery, and murder while the victim was inside a vehicle. Prosecutors allege he abducted Blanchard from a gas station in Auburn in 2019 and killed her. Her body was later found in a wooded area of Macon County. Because this is a capital case, potential jurors are being questioned about their views on the death penalty and their ability to remain fair and impartial.

• Blanchard disappeared on October 23, 2019.
• Her remains were discovered on November 25, 2019.
• Jury selection began this week and is expected to be completed by Friday, March 6, 2026.
• The trial itself could last about three weeks once it begins.

What’s next

The court expects to place 12 jurors in the box along with four alternates by the end of this week. Once the jury is selected and sworn in, the court will move to the trial phase, which is expected to last about three weeks.