Bianca Tanner Update: Exploring Details Before ‘Killer Relationship with Faith Jenkins’

The episode “Into Thin Air”from Killer Relationship with Faith Jenkins premiered on October 26, 2024, at 8 p.m. This installment delves into the perplexing case of Bianca Tanner’s disappearance, a 31-year-old teacher from North Carolina who reportedly vanished without a trace.

On June 7, 2014, Bianca Tanner was last seen following a heated argument with her boyfriend, Angelo Smith Jr. She left behind her three-year-old son and all personal belongings at his home, leading to immediate concerns about her safety and a prompt investigation.

Authorities questioned Smith within mere hours of her disappearance, largely due to claims from her family and friends, who insisted that Tanner would never abandon her child without prior notice.

It was later revealed that Bianca died during a confrontation with her boyfriend, and her body was discarded near Lake Wylie.

The Circumstances Surrounding Bianca Tanner’s Disappearance

Bianca Tanner’s sudden absence sent shockwaves through her family and friends. A dedicated teacher and a loving single mother, she appeared to be flourishing both personally and professionally. However, her relationship with Angelo Smith Jr. was marked by conflict.

According to Smith, their argument was triggered by a text message, and he claimed Tanner was intoxicated when she stormed out of his residence in anger. The fact that she left her phone, wallet, and essential items added to the uncertainty surrounding that fateful evening.

Initial Investigative Actions and Doubts

In the wake of Bianca Tanner’s disappearance, law enforcement wasted no time in launching an investigation. They quickly interviewed her boyfriend, who stated that Tanner had left after their altercation and had not returned since.

However, Tanner’s sister Cerise and her close friends, Teresa and others, communicated to law enforcement that her character would never allow her to abandon her child or terminate contact with loved ones without warning. This disparity in narratives raised significant red flags.

Smith also asserted that Tanner had been drinking, insinuating that her mental state was unstable upon leaving, which prompted law enforcement to probe deeper into his credibility and intentions.

The Complexity of Romantic Relationships

At the time she went missing, Bianca Tanner was reportedly involved with multiple suitors, leading investigators to scrutinize who among them genuinely cared for her well-being and who might have had ulterior motives. This aspect became crucial as law enforcement examined the possibility that jealousy or romantic rivalry could have played a role in her disappearance.

Given the attention drawn by Tanner’s relationships, detectives delved into her romantic history to uncover any individuals who might have posed a threat.

Incident overview featuring Angelo Smith Jr.'s confession (Image via Unsplash/Maxim Hopman) — Incident overview featuring Angelo Smith Jr.’s confession (Image via Unsplash/Maxim Hopman)

Community and Family Response

The sudden disappearance of Bianca Tanner left her community in disbelief and her family distressed. A highly regarded educator and devoted mother, Tanner was well-loved and respected in her locality.

Her sister, Cerise, along with her close friend Teresa, took the lead in efforts to locate her, asserting that Tanner would never voluntarily forsake her motherhood. Their insistence that she wouldn’t simply disappear without a word significantly propelled the investigation forward.

The local media’s coverage further intensified public interest and pressure on the authorities to uncover the truth about Tanner’s fate.

Imagery related to Bianca Tanner's death (Image via Unsplash/Krzysztof Hepner) — Imagery related to Bianca Tanner’s death (Image via Unsplash/Krzysztof Hepner)

Unraveling the Mystery

As investigators engaged in their duties, the urgency to uncover the circumstances surrounding Bianca Tanner’s disappearance grew increasingly pressing. Comprehensive searches were undertaken, alongside interrogations and thorough reviews of surveillance footage.

Authorities examined Bianca’s phone records extensively, connecting her personal interactions to uncover the events leading to her vanishing. The investigation ventured down several paths as law enforcement sought to unravel the intricate details surrounding her relationships and the truth of what transpired.

The Incident and Angelo Smith Jr.’s Revelation

Angelo Smith Jr. emerged as a primary suspect, given his proximity to Bianca at the time she vanished. His account of the fight and Tanner’s departure without crucial belongings raised doubts among investigators.

In an interview with WFMY News 2, Smith disclosed that the couple had spent time at the park with Tanner’s young son before returning home, where a dispute ignited over a mysterious text message he received from an unknown woman.

He claimed that amidst the turmoil, Tanner threatened him with a gun and a knife. During the ensuing struggle, Smith testified that he placed Tanner in a chokehold in an attempt to subdue her. He maintained that during this confrontation, she collapsed, appearing to suffer a seizure.

In a panic, Smith contacted a fraternity brother, but instead of seeking help, they chose to conceal the incident.

Crime scene depicted (Image via Unsplash/Kenny Eliason)

They ultimately discarded Bianca’s remains near Lake Wylie, misguidedly fearing police involvement. For weeks, Tanner’s loved ones searched for her, unaware of the grim reality. Eventually, the fraternity brother led authorities to her whereabouts.

Angelo Smith was arrested and charged with first-degree murder; however, due to significant decomposition of the body, a clear cause of death could not be determined. He accepted a plea agreement that absolved him of the murder charge but resulted in a conviction for contributing to the delinquency of a minor, considering Tanner’s son was present during the incident.

In the aftermath, Smith expressed remorse, issuing an apology to Tanner’s family, though he acknowledged that it fell far short of the pain caused.

You can watch Killer Relationship with Faith Jenkins on Oxygen’s streaming platform.

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