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Second man arrested in connection with death of teacher Bianca Tanner

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

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A man who admitted killing his girlfriend and then covering it up for several weeks will spend at least 19 years in prison.

Angelo Smith walked into a Mecklenburg County courtroom prepared to finally admit publicly that he had killed Bianca Tanner during an argument in their north Charlotte home in June of 2014.

Smith pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter, kidnapping, concealment of a death and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

A second man was arrested in connection with Tanner's death.

Lawrence Adrian Briscoe was arrested Friday for his involvement in the case.

Briscoe was charged with concealment of death.

Tanner's friends and family searched for her for several weeks after she disappeared, and it wasn't until police arrested Smith for leaving Tanner's small child in the home that he confessed to her murder.

Smith's plea deal will see him spend at least 19 years in prison.

Prosecutor Anna Greene described how Smith had killed Tanner and dumped her body in the woods.

"He said Ms. Tanner was wielding weapons, and he put her in a chokehold until she was no longer fighting," she said.

TIMELINE: Bianca Tanner investigation

After almost two years, Tanner's family was able to address the court.

"Mr. Smith will never know what he took from me and my family," sister Alessa Closs said.

"I feel bad saying this because I love the Lord, but I hate Angelo," mother Antoinette Closs said.

Smith also spoke in court Thursday.

"I know you hate me and want me to go to hell, but I have been in hell since June 7, 2014," Smith said.

Smith also spoke to his own family and thanked them for their support.

The judge had warned both families that he didn't want any outbursts in court. There was security and reporter Mark Becker reported seeing a lot of emotion, but there were no problems.

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