Athena Strand’s mother revealed Thursday what was inside the package delivered by the FedEx driver-turned-accused of murdering the 7-year-old girl abducted from her father’s Texas home.
“On November 30, a FedEx delivery man entered Athena’s father’s property to deliver a package that was supposed to be a Christmas present for our daughter. This is the package, and it’s the first time I’ve seen it an emotional Maitlyn Gandy said at a press conference outside the Wise County Courthouse.
A six pack of Barbie dolls was shown. The dollmaker’s catchphrase “You can be anything” was engraved on the outside. One outer box had the Walmart logo on it.
“Athena was robbed of the chance to grow up to be who she wanted to be,” said Gandy, who dyed her hair pink in honor of her daughter. “And this gift commanded out of innocence and love is one she will never receive. Athena’s favorite holiday was Christmas, as it is for many children everywhere. The joy Athena brought to her family and the joy she felt in Christmas is something we will never feel.” here again”.
ATHENA STRAND’S GRANDPA SAYS HE FORGIVED FEDEX DRIVER ACCUSED OF KIDNAPPING AND MURDER OF 7-YEAR-OLD BOY
Athena Strand’s mother said the FedEx driver delivered a package of Barbie dolls intended as a Christmas present for her slain daughter.
(FOX 4/KDFW)
Tanner Lynn Horner, a 30-year-old FedEx contract driver, is charged with capital murder and aggravated kidnapping in connection with Strand’s death. Horner, who previously worked as an Uber driver before he was reportedly banned from the platform, was held in custody Saturday on $1.5 million bail.
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)
Wise County Sheriff Lane Akin said the death penalty will be sought.
Horner allegedly admitted to kidnapping Strand while she was delivering a package to her father’s home in Paradise, Texas, on December 2.
Two days later, the girl’s body was found less than 10 miles from her father’s property. The suspect reportedly did not know the victim or the girl’s family.
“That delivery guy admitting to kidnapping and murdering my innocent, free-spirited 7-year-old,” Gandy said Thursday. “At the time of Athena’s kidnapping, she was staying with her stepmother and father in Paradise, Texas, doing what children do, playing within the boundaries of her father’s property. The same land she grew up on and played. The same land for 20 or more years, he and his brothers and all his friends had been safe.”
Athena Strand’s mother, Maitlyn Gandy, speaks in front of the Wise County Courthouse on Thursday, December 8, 2022.
(FOX 4/KDFW)
“I was supposed to bring Athena back to Oklahoma after Christmas break,” the grieving mother said through tears. “Now, instead, Athena will be cremated and come home in an urn because I’m not even close to being ready to let go of my baby. I’ll never see her bright blue eyes or her sullen smile again. I’ll never be able to hear her say ‘I love you mommy.’ I will never be able to comb her hair again or hold her while she sleeps. I was robbed of the chance to watch her grow up by a man everyone was supposed to be able to trust to do one simple task: deliver a Christmas present and walk away.”
A photo of Athena Strand, age 7, whose body was found on Friday, December 2, 2022.
(White Settlement Police Department)
“Tomorrow will be the last time I see my baby,” Gandy said. “After tomorrow, when silence settles, Athena’s family, including her three younger sisters, will begin the journey of all firsts without her. Her little sister’s third birthday, then my 27th birthday, our Christmas Eve tradition, the first time in seven years of not seeing or hearing the excitement of opening presents from Santa and Sissy. I ask everyone to hold their little ones a little tighter for me.”
Authorities say the body of 7-year-old Athena Strand was found on Friday, December 2, 2022.
(Wise County Sheriff’s Office)
“I have felt your prayers, I have read your messages and your letters, and I have seen your rose everywhere,” Gandy said of the support from the community and law enforcement. “I want everyone to know Athena. She was an amazing little girl who loved to dance, sing and all the animals, dogs, cats, horses, lizards and chinchillas. She also loved school and all her friends in first grade who are now too They are struggling with their senseless murder.”
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Gandy’s attorneys vowed to investigate the girl’s murder, vowing to “hold accountable any person or corporation whose actions or inactions could have prevented the tragic death of this child.”
“A monster tried to take Athena’s voice, but we are her voice,” Gandy said Thursday. “Hiring and recruitment policies must be put in place so monsters in delivery uniforms don’t show up at our children’s doors. Please help Athena’s light continue to shine.”
