mma / News
UPDATED: Walt Harris Releases a Statement on His Stepdaughter
UPDATE: UFC fighter Walt Harris issued a statement earlier today on the loss of his 19 year-old-stepdaughter, Aniah Blanchard. You can read the statement he posted on Instagram below.
My sweet baby girl… I just wanna thank you for helping me change my life for the better… For teaching me how to be a man and a better father! For being my biggest fan win, lose , or draw! For always knowing what to say to put a smile on my face and lift me up when I was down and wanted to give up. You light up my world I’m so many ways. This pain is unbearable… I know you want me to be strong but it so hard baby it so hard. I’m gonna find away I promise you I will. Right now nothing makes sense and I’m so lost. I just want you back. I hope I made you proud… I’m gonna keep going daddy just needs time. I love you so much. Look after us like you always did. We need you now more than ever. My lil mighty mighty tiger is a angel now. I love you baby girl forever and ever!
On behalf of 411, we send our condolences to Walt Harris and his family.
ORIGINAL: MMA Weekly reports that police have found human remains that they have positively identified to be Walt Harris’ 19-year-old stepdaughter Aniah Blanchard. The body was found in Auburn, Alabama earlier this week and was confirmed to be Blanchard. She had been missing since October 23. The investigation wasn’t concluded until Wednesday.
In a statement, Auburn police said: “After previous searches of dozens of areas, the Auburn Police and Fire Divisions assisted by the Alabama Law Enforcement agency’s SBI Unit, a team of anthropologists from Florida Gulf Coast University, the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences, the Macon County Sheriff’s Office as well as over 100 first responders from throughout the area have been examining a wooded area in the 38,000 block of County Road 2 in Shorter, Alabama, where human remains were found on Monday, Nov. 25, 2019. The remains were believed to be that of Aniah Haley Blanchard who was reported missing on Oct. 24, 2019. It is with heavy hearts that we announce that the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences has positively identified the remains as those of Aniah Haley Blanchard. At this point, the case will move forward as a homicide investigation, and additional charges are forthcoming.”
Harris had asked for help in finding Blanchard after she spoke with a friend on October 23. She was also spotted at a convenience store in Auburn on surveillance footage. Police started investigating the next day. They arrested ibraheem Yazeed and charged him with first-degree kidnapping when he was found in the same store as Blanchard. A witness identified as Yazeed as someone who forced her into a car. A 2017 Honda CR-V was found two-days later, which belonged to Blanchard, at an apartment complex in Montgomery, Alabama. The forensic team said a “life threatening” amount of blood was found in the car, along with evidence that made them believe that Blanchard was the victim of foul play.
After Yazeed was arrested, a second suspect named Antwain Fisher was arrested and charged with first-degree kidnapping. A third suspect named David johnson Jr. was arrested and charged with hindering prosecution. It’s now being treated as a homicide.
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey said: “I am heartbroken for the family of Aniah Blanchard. Like Alabamians across our state, I was praying for a much different outcome. I will be keeping them in my prayers and ask the people of Alabama to continue to do so as well. During this holiday season, it is easy to get distracted in the hustle and bustle, but I urge us all to remember those that are hurting. I appreciate the diligence of the Auburn Police Division, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and the many volunteers who were searching for Aniah. She is indeed loved and will be remembered by us all.“
