Aniah Blanchard’s family reacts to her killer’s request for new trial

HOMEWOOD, Ala. (WBRC) - The man found guilty of killing Aniah Blanchard is asking for a new trial.

Attorneys for Ibraheem Yazeed filed a motion Monday asking a judge to set aside his murder conviction. Yazeed was sentenced to life in prison in May for the 2019 killing.

Angela Harris, Blanchard’s mother, said her family knew it was coming. They were told after Yazeed’s sentencing that it’s a part of the process. But she said actually seeing the motion made her stomach drop.

“I just opened up Facebook, and there it was in my face. And so that, of course, always gives me a sick feeling,” Harris said.

Yazeed’s attorney filed the motion, arguing there was insufficient evidence and claiming Alabama’s Speedy Trial Act was unconstitutional.

It’s been almost seven years since Harris lost her daughter. In March, a jury convicted Yazeed of killing Blanchard, a crime they found he committed while out of jail on bond for other violent crimes.

“I know that it will get denied. I’m not worried about that at all... He got a fair trial. He got a fair trial and the jury decided his fate and he got what he deserved,” Harris said.

Harris said the road ahead could be long with more appeals and parole eligibility, but their family will be there every step of the way.

Since Blanchard’s death, Harris and her family have advocated for Aniah’s Law, an amendment voters approved in 2022 and legislators updated this year. The law gives judges greater flexibility in denying bond to people charged with violent crimes.

“My daughter fought and that means a lot. She gave her life to fight for hers. She didn’t know she was fighting a repeat violent offender, but she did it. And so with that, she saved so many lives. She just deserves to be honored,” Harris said.

Harris said the law is being used every week in Alabama.

“I just want them to remember her beautiful face, her beautiful smile, her laugh. Just don’t ever forget that,” Harris said.

A judge has not set a hearing date yet.

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