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Medical examiner IDs remains as Bianca Tanner

By Mark Becker, wsoctv.com
By Mark Becker, wsoctv.com

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The remains discovered last Thursday morning in a wooded area of southwest Charlotte have been identified as Bianca Tanner, according to the Medical Examiner's Office.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police arrested Angelo Smith, once a person of interest, shortly after the discovery and charged him in connection with Tanner's death. Smith confessed later on Thursday to killing her.

Smith stood silent in front of a judge Monday. He was taken to jail, in handcuffs and apologized.

There wasn't much for him to say in court -- that will come later in the process when he enters a plea of guilty or not guilty.

RAW VIDEO:  Chief Monroe announces re-arrest of Angelo Smith

The medical examiner confirmed Monday that the body investigators found in the woods off Westinghouse Boulevard was Tanner's.

There was a bright orange arrow on the pavement and single white rose marking that spot. It wasn't there last week when a man police are calling a cooperating witness pointed investigators to that location.

PHOTOS:  Bianca Tanner

He clearly knew exactly where to look, and sources said he was Smith's fraternity brother and may have even helped him dump her body there.

"A person in that situation could be charged as a potential co-conspirator in the murder, if not, as an accessory after the fact," said attorney James Wyatt.

Wyatt said that may depend on whether the witness had a deal with police when he gave that information.

At this point, police sources said they don't foresee any charges against the man, but it may not be entirely up to them.

Channel 9 was told the decision whether to charge someone other than Smith will be made after prosecutors review the police department's evidence.

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