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Boyfriend of missing teacher bonds out of jail

By Alexa Ashwell
By Alexa Ashwell

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The man named as a person of interest in the disappearance of Charlotte teacher Bianca Tanner was released from jail Wednesday night.
 
Earlier in the day a judge lowered Angelo Smith's bond from $100,000 to $20,000.
 
His mother and father from Chicago were in Charlotte waiting for him after his release.

Reporter Ashwell asked him what was next for him. He said he didn't know and he hasn't even had time to breathe yet.

"Police have labeled you as a person of interest in her (case)," Ashwell said to Smith. "Is there anything you want to say in response to that?"
 
"Not at this time," he said.
 
As he walked out of jail Smith was wearing the electronic monitor as ordered by a judge Wednesday.
 
Smith is only allowed to go to work and return home.
 
The judge told the courtroom he didn't want to jeopardize the homicide investigation.
 
On Tuesday Smith arrived in Charlotte after he was arrested by U.S. marshals in Chicago on a misdemeanor charge.
 
Smith is accused of leaving Tanner's 3-year-old son home alone the night the teacher disappeared more than three weeks ago.
 
Smith was the last person to see the school teacher.
 
His mother said Wednesday night she's thanking Jesus.
 
"I pray for the safe return of Bianca and I'm thanking the lord for this day," she said.
 
The conditions of the bond are for the next 45 days, until Smith's next court date Aug. 12.
 
The conditions could change if Smith is no longer a person of interest in Tanner's case.

Prayer vigil held for Tanner

Family and friends said they won't give up hope that Bianca Tanner will return home safely.
 
For 24 days they've been searching for the 31-year-old mother and they joined together Wednesday night at her alma mater, North Carolina A&T University, to pray for her.
 
"Our anxiety is elevated. We're feeling overwhelmed, we just want her home," said Cerise Richardson, Tanner's sister.
 
Prayers of hope filled the air around the campus' reflection pool. Friends said Tanner's smile and charisma brightened up a room.
 
Now they're feeling empty without her.
 
"She's full of energy, a people person, we really miss that," said friend Mario Black.
 
The family said they're grateful to those who've shown their support in their fight to bring Tanner back home.
 
Her sister told Channel 9 she did not want to speak about Tanner's boyfriend, Angelo Smith, bonding out of jail Wednesday night.
 
He is a person of interest in her case.  
 
"Today is Bianca's day," she said.

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