A gag order has been issued against disclosing information about the suspect in the kidnapping of a missing Alabama teen.
Lee County District Attorney Brandon Hughes confirmed to WIAT via email that the order is in place, preventing Ibraheem Yazeed, 29; the case prosecutor, or members of the suspect’s legal team from disclosing details regarding the ongoing case. U.S. Marshals arrested Yazeed in Escambia County, Florida, on Friday, shortly before he was extradited to Opelika, Alabama, to face first-degree kidnapping charges.
“I can confirm that there is a gag order in place at the moment which prohibits me from discussing anything further at this time,” Hughes said in an email to the news station. “If and when I am able to, I will be glad to answer any questions.”
Aniah Blanchard, 19, was reportedly last seen on October 23 at a convenience store in Auburn. Her car—which authorities said was damaged and covered in her blood—was discovered in an apartment complex’s parking lot in Montgomery two days later.
Blanchard, who is from Homewood but lives in Auburn, had reportedly talked to a friend prior to her disappearance. She was said to have also sent Snapchat messages to her roommate indicating that she was with a man she had recently met.
Records indicated that Yazeed was out on bail on attempted murder charges, despite having a lengthy criminal history which includes arrests for kidnapping and robbery.
Blanchard was described as being 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighing approximately 125 pounds, and having brown eyes and brown hair. She was reportedly last seen wearing a black dress, tan duck boots, and black stockings.
Anyone with information regarding Aniah Blanchard’s whereabouts, or an accident involving her vehicle, is should contact the Auburn Police Division Detective Section at 334-501-3140 or the anonymous tip line at 334-246-1391.
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[Featured image: Aniah Blanchard/Facebook; Ibraheem Yazeed/Escambia County Sheriff’s Office]
