A FedEx driver has been charged with aggravated kidnapping and capital murder in the case of missing 7-year-old Athena Strand.
Authorities say Tanner Lynn Horner, a contract delivery driver, allegedly took Athena from her driveway earlier this week, later killing her.
The child was last seen Wednesday evening in the city of Paradise and was reported missing by her stepmother.
Her body was found Friday about 200 yards from her home, Wise County Sheriff Lane Akin said in a statement to the public.
"It hurts our hearts to know that that child died," Akin said. "So much so that she is on her way now to the medical examiner's office and there's a Texas ranger in front of her, and there's a Texas ranger behind her."
"This community does not like losing our children. And we can see it because of all the people who came out and helped us throughout this ordeal," Akin added, referencing the search party that gathered for the missing girl.
Multiple local agencies, including a K-9 unit, joined the search for Athena after she was reported missing.
Around 200 citizens helped search 50 acres of land for the missing girl.
Local news station KDFW reported that a tip led authorities to Horner, who the station said is being held on a $1.5 million bond. Akin announced at another recent news briefing, “We do have a confession.”
The 7-year-old’s mother took to Facebook to share a message in tribute to her daughter. “Her name is Athena Presley Monroe Strand,” the post began. “She was born perfect and too beautiful.”
"Daddy and mommy were scared of how beautiful she has always been," the heartbroken mom wrote. "And we feel like we failed you. No one deserves what happened to you, but especially you. I love you and love doesn’t even cover it."
She added, “Mommy is broken without you.”
The delivery service that employed Horner, FedEx, released a statement on Twitter:
“Our thoughts are with the family of Athena Strand during this most difficult time. Words cannot describe our shock and sorrow surrounding this tragic event.”
FedEx added that it will continue to cooperate with authorities throughout the investigation.
According to the family's verified GoFundMe page, Athena was "murdered within an hour of her abduction." The family created the page to seek donations for legal costs.
"At this time, all donations will be dedicated to seeking justice to the fullest extent. The family asks to remember Athena as she was… happy, healthy, beautiful, and bright."
So far, over $55,000 of the family's current $100,000 goal has been raised.
