Wise County Sheriff Lane Akin told Fox News Digital his office is seeking the death penalty for Tanner Lynn Horner, the contract FedEx driver accused of kidnapping and murdering 7-year-old Texas girl Athena Strand. years.
Akin, speaking by phone on Thursday, said: “We are seeking the death penalty” because “of the serious nature of the case … and because the boy is 7 years old.”
“There may be some hurdles that we can cross or not cross, I’ll leave that to the district attorney,” Akin added.
Athena Strand was found dead in Boyd, Texas, on Friday, just outside the Dallas-Fort Worth area, after being missing for several days. Tanner Lynn Horner, 30, is charged with capital murder and aggravated kidnapping in connection with Strand’s death.
THE ALLEGED MURDER OF A TEXAS GIRL BY A FEDEX DRIVER RAISES SAFETY CONCERNS ABOUT THE SHIPPING SERVICE
7-year-old Athena Strand was allegedly kidnapped and killed by 30-year-old FedEx delivery driver Tanner Lynn Horner.
(Wise County Sheriff’s Office)
The lawyer representing Strand’s mother, Maitlyn Gandy, said during a news conference this afternoon that he is “not at all surprised” that Akin is seeking such a punishment for Horner.
TEXAS GIRL ALLEGEDLY KILLED BY FEDEX DRIVER REMEMBERED BY MOTHER IN EMOTIONAL MESSAGE: ‘KEEP HER STORY ALIVE’
“That is what this community demands. When you have the loss of a young child, of innocence, this community will accept nothing less than that,” said Benson Varghese. “I totally agree with the decision that is being made and I am sure that the district attorney was involved in it. It’s a big commitment to say you’re seeking the death penalty.
Authorities say the body of 7-year-old Athena Strand was found on Friday, December 2, 2022.
(Wise County Sheriff’s Office)
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“It’s not a small company,” added Varghese. “So they’re doing what this community wants and certainly everyone in this community appreciates that and certainly Maitlyn and the family.”
Maitlyn Gandy, the mother of Athena Strand, addresses a crowd Tuesday at a candlelight vigil in Paradise, Texas.
(KDFW)
The motive for the murder remains unknown.
Fox News’ Danielle Wallace contributed to this report.
