The tragic murder of Bianca Tanner serves as the focal point of a gripping episode titled Killer Relationship with Faith Jenkins: Into Thin Air, which aired on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 8:00 p.m. on Oxygen True Crime.
This episode unveils the heart-wrenching circumstances surrounding the death of a young woman in Charlotte, North Carolina. The narrative presents a detailed account of Bianca Tanner’s murder, shedding light on how a promising life was abruptly extinguished.
A cherished elementary school teacher, Bianca Tanner was reported missing in June 2014, shortly after relocating to Charlotte. Her mysterious disappearance raised numerous questions, prompting the episode to delve into critical moments of the ensuing investigation.
Eventually, her boyfriend, Angelo Smith, admitted to his involvement after weeks of steadfast denial.
The narrative of Bianca Tanner’s murder is steeped in themes of domestic violence and misguided choices. Five significant elements of the case reveal the intricate layers of this crime, from the early altercation to the grim discovery of her remains.
Disclaimer: The perspectives presented in this article reflect the author’s opinions regarding spoilers for Killer Relationship with Faith Jenkins. Viewer discretion is recommended.
Bianca Tanner’s Murder: Essential Insights
1) The Initial Confrontation
The day Bianca Tanner was tragically killed began normally. Angelo Smith recounted spending time with Tanner and her young son when a text message he received sparked a confrontation between them.
Upon reading a text from someone referring to Smith as “sweetie,”Bianca became infuriated. Smith insisted he did not recognize the sender, but his response did little to allay Bianca’s suspicions. Their argument intensified quickly, ultimately escalating into violence.
In his defense, Smith claimed that during the altercation, Bianca brandished a knife and a gun, prompting him to attempt to restrain her. This initial dispute laid the groundwork for the ensuing tragedy.
2) The Deadly Chokehold
During the trial, Smith confessed to placing Tanner in a chokehold as their argument became more volatile. He maintained that his intention was to protect himself from her knife.
Smith recounted how Bianca’s body went rigid, and he witnessed her eyes rolling back as foam began to emerge from her mouth.
Despite these alarming signs, he failed to seek medical assistance. This moment proved to be irrevocable, sealing Bianca’s fate as the use of a chokehold led directly to her demise.
3) The Attempted Cover-Up
Confronted with the grim reality that Bianca Tanner was dead, Angelo Smith panicked. Rather than contacting the authorities, he sought advice from his brother. Fearing repercussions from law enforcement, they chose to conceal the situation.
In a desperate bid to hide their actions, they concocted a plan to dispose of her body. Smith and his partner took Bianca’s corpse to the woods near Lake Wylie and abandoned it, resulting in weeks of frantic searches by both police and her family.
4) The Discovery of the Body
For nearly a month, the search for Bianca Tanner became a desperate quest for her loved ones and law enforcement. Unfortunately, the reality turned out to be far more sinister. Ultimately, it was Smith’s brother who, burdened with guilt over his part in the cover-up, guided authorities to her remains.
By the time law enforcement found Bianca’s body, the condition was so deteriorated that determining an exact cause of death was impossible. As a result, Smith managed to avoid a first-degree murder charge due to the lack of substantive evidence, although his involvement was undeniable, leading to criminal charges.
5) The Aftermath and Plea Agreement
Following the discovery of Bianca Tanner’s remains, Angelo Smith was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. However, due to the degradation of her body and the inability to pinpoint the exact cause of death, he was presented with a plea deal.
Smith thus evaded a first-degree murder conviction, resulting in a lesser charge, much to the dismay of Bianca’s grieving family who felt justice had not been fully served. Although Smith expressed regret for his actions, the consequences of his choices were irrevocable.
The case of Bianca Tanner, which unfolded in 2014, underscores the tragic repercussions of domestic violence and poor judgment. It serves as a powerful reminder of the crucial need to seek help and resolve conflicts without resorting to violence. Each step in this case demonstrated that preventable choices could have changed the tragic outcome.
The series Killer Relationship with Faith Jenkins can be streamed on Oxygen.
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