TUSKEGEE, Ala. (TCN) — Ibraheem Yazeed, who was found guilty in March to kidnapping and murder in the death of college student Aniah Blanchard, has been sentenced to life in prison.
Blanchard was last seen alive at a gas station on Oct. 23, 2019. Her body was found about a month later in a wooded area; she had been fatally shot. WTVM reports that at the time of Blanchard’s kidnapping and murder, Yazeed was free on bail. Aniah’s Law was created due to her death and ensures violent offenders are not granted bail.
Yazeed was charged with capital murder and was found guilty of murder and felony murder. Capital murder carried the possibility of a death sentence, but it was taken off the table when he was convicted, according to WSFA.
Judge Tom Young gave Yazeed to two life sentences — one for the murder count and another for the felony murder count. An appellate court will decide which count to throw out to avoid double jeopardy. The defense will have the ability to appeal within 42 days.
The life sentences carry the possibility of parole, according to a member of the defense team, WSFA reports.
Attorney General Steve Marshall said, “Today, justice has been served. I am gratified that the court imposed the maximum allowable sentence for the senseless and brutal murder of Aniah Blanchard, life in prison. It is the sentence that the weight of this crime demanded, and one that Aniah’s family has long deserved.”
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