Fundraiser held in Raleigh to help find missing teacher
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- The family of a missing school teacher is becoming even more determined to find their loved one.
The community is stepping in to help in the search for Bianca Tanner, who vanished from her home in Charlotte. A fundraiser is being held Tuesday night in Raleigh to help with search efforts.
Tanner's family is desperate to find the 31-year-old, especially for her son. An aunt told ABC11 the child is suffering.
"He cries for mama every night and that's what's so sad -- him crying for his mama. If they know anything, if anybody knows what happened, they really need to come forward," said Faye Scarborough, Tanner's aunt.
It's been more than two weeks since Raleigh native Bianca Tanner went missing in Charlotte. The teacher left behind a young son, who just turned four this past weekend.
Her aunt and relatives are looking to the fundraiser to help with their continued search efforts.
"We're not just going to give up. We're still praying," said Scarborough.
The search for the 31-year-old teacher is being called a homicide investigation.
Tanner moved to Charlotte with her young son to live with her boyfriend.
On Friday, investigators took out a warrant for Angelo Grayson Smith Jr. for contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Sources told WSOC-TV in Charlotte that the juvenile is Tanner's son. Police say the boy had seen Smith abusing his mother.
Police have not called Smith a suspect in Tanner's disappearance.
"If he knows anything, he should come forward and speak up and let them know," Scarborough said.
The family has been heading to Charlotte every weekend, canvassing neighborhoods and posting flyers. They're holding out hope they will find Tanner and reunite her with her son.
"We need her home to be with her baby and every little bit helps," Scarborough said.
The fundraiser will start at 9 p.m. at Smokin Grooves Bar and Grill off New Hope Church Road. An organizer told ABC11 all of the proceeds will go to Tanner's family.
