The Blount Co. prosecutor wants attempted murder to be considered under Aniah's law

BLOUNT COUNTY, Ala. (WBRC) – It has now been five years since the kidnapping and murder of Aniah Blanchard, and nearly two years since the passage of Aniah's Law.

“It’s a game changer in terms of protecting victims and protecting future victims,” Blount County District Attorney Pamela Casey said.

Prosecutors believe Aniah's law, which allows judges to deny bail to people accused of violent crimes, protects communities across the state.

In Blount County, it was used to prevent “undocumented defendants” from fleeing the country, she said. However, the public prosecutor's office would like the law to be further tightened.

At the moment, attempted murder is not covered by the law, she said.

“In the event of a murder, you could potentially be held without bail,” Casey said. “But you can pretty much put someone in a coma, a vegetative state, and they would be eligible for bail, whereas if you commit a burglary, you know, go into a house with a gun and be held longer than if you actually did would have shot.” ​​someone with attempted murder.”

She wants state law to change to allow attempted murder.

In fact, the suspect in the Aniah Blanchard case, Ibraheem Yazeed, was charged with attempted murder, among other charges.

“Aniah’s case was a repeat offender who was out on bail and entitled to bail under the law. “If he hadn't been on the streets, she might still be with us today,” Casey said.

According to Casey, the Alabama District Attorney's Office has discussed including attempted murder under the Aniah Act.

Prosecutors said they would like to see state lawmakers address the issue in the upcoming 2025 legislative session.

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