Athena Strand, 7, was found dead last week after being missing for several days. A FedEx contract driver is accused of kidnapping and killing the young girl.
Athena Strand was found dead in Boyd, Texas, outside the Dallas-Fort Worth area, two days after being abducted by Tanner Lynn Horner, a 30-year-old delivery driver.
Strand was abducted by Horner, who allegedly admitted to abducting her while delivering a package to her North Texas home on Wednesday. Her body was found less than 10 miles from her father’s home.
The driver was arrested for his crimes and is being held on a $1.5 million bond. His charges include capital murder and aggravated kidnapping, and the police shared in a news conference that he did make a confession.
Athena’s mother, Maitlyn Gandy, said she wanted to “keep her face and her story alive”. Her mother shared a heartbreaking message about her daughter on social media and shared multiple photos of her daughter.
At the child’s vigil, Gandy wanted to thank all the volunteers who came out to support her daughter and wanted to keep her face and her story alive.
Judge J.D. Clark invited community members to wear pink on Monday, Dec. 5, and to gather at the local courthouse to pray.
Athena’s mom wrote that she saw all of the support for her daughter and that she believes that Athena sees all of their efforts.
Athena Strand was described as innocent, beautiful, kind, intelligent, and the happiest soul you could ever meet.
The Paradise Independent School District honored Athena with a moving statement and said extra counselors would be available at the elementary and intermediate campuses tomorrow and for as long as needed.