Police: Walt Harris’ stepdaughter Aniah Blanchard likely ‘harmed,’ now considered a victim of ‘foul play’

The investigation into UFC heavyweight Walt Harris’ missing stepdaughter continued on Thursday with Auburn (Ala.) Police now confirming they believe she was a victim of foul play.

19-year-old Aniah Blanchard went missing this past Wednesday, Oct. 23, sometime after 11:30 p.m. local time near Auburn, Ala. Police later confirmed Blanchard spoke to a friend that night and visited a local convenience store according to surveillance footage that was discovered after her disappearance.

Two days later, Auburn Police recovered Blanchard’s 2017 Honda CR-V after it was reported at an apartment complex in Montgomery, Ala. The vehicle had extensive damage on the right side, which was not present the last time Blanchard was seen with the car.

Now, police have released a new update after the forensics team investigated Blanchard’s car.

“The Auburn Police Division continues to diligently investigate the disappearance of Aniah Haley Blanchard who was reported missing by her family on October 24, 2019,” Auburn Police said in a statement released on Thursday. “In that effort, Auburn and Montgomery Police as well as nine other local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies working on the case are operating as a task force.

“Evidence from within Aniah Blanchard’s vehicle, recovered in Montgomery, was examined by the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences and has now determined that she was harmed and is considered to be a victim of foul play. The Auburn Police Division and Montgomery Police Department are still requesting assistance from the public regarding any information on the location of Aniah and her vehicle between Wednesday, October 23, 2019, and today.”

Harris initially sent out a plea last week asking for any information regarding his stepdaughter’s whereabouts after she went missing. The UFC heavyweight has continued to ask for any assistance in finding Blanchard, who was a college student at Southern Union Community College.

This week, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey offered a $5,000 reward for information that would lead to the arrest and conviction of parties involved with Blanchard’s disappearance. UFC president Dana White then offered to up the ante with another $25,000 to add to the reward.

Police confirmed an anonymous donor also offered another $5,000, which brings the total reward to $35,000 for information that would help authorities find Blanchard.

Auburn police added the investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding Aniah’s whereabouts, or other knowledge about the case is asked to call the Auburn Police Division Detective Section at 334-501-3140, the anonymous tip line at 334-246-1391 or the 24 hour non-emergency number at 334-501-3100.