From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
The body found in a wooded area in Macon County has been confirmed to be that of 19-year-old Homewood native Aniah Blanchard.
Auburn Police Chief Paul Register said on Wednesday that forensic testing identified the human remains found in a wooded area along a rural road.
After a brief search by investigators, they located what appeared to be human remains several feet into the woodline.
“I am heartbroken for the family of Aniah Blanchard. Like Alabamians across our state, I was praying for a much different outcome,” Governor Kay Ivey said. “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.”
The case remains under investigation by the Auburn Police Division.
Macon County is located between Lee and Montgomery counties, in the area where the search for the missing college student was focused.
Blanchard was last seen, in surveillance video, on Oct. 23, at a convenience store in Auburn. The 19-year-old is the stepdaughter of UFC Heavyweight Walt Harris.