WISE COUNTY (CBSDFW.COM) — A two-day search in rural Sensible County amid chilly temperatures led to the invention of Athena Strand’s physique. The 7-year-old was first reported lacking from her father’s house on Nov. 30.
Maitlyn Presley Gandy through Fb
At about 8:00 p.m., her physique was discovered about 6 miles away from her house, Sheriff Lane Akin stated Friday night.
Police stated that the contract driver of a FedEx truck kidnapped Athena and that she doubtless died inside an hour primarily based on digital proof and on a confession.
The driving force was named as Tanner Lynn Horner, 31. He’s being held on the Sensible County Jail on costs of capital homicide and aggravated kidnapping. His bond has been set at $1.5 million.
Sensible County Jail
Sheriff Akin stated that at in regards to the time Athena went lacking, Horner dropped off a package deal on the house. She was most likely kidnapped from her driveway, about 200 yards away from the home.
In accordance with the Sheriff, Horner gave detectives not less than two false areas – together with an space of CR 4599 that was taped off by police on Friday afternoon – earlier than main them to Athena’s physique.
There was no details about a doable motive, however authorities stated Horner didn’t know Athena or her household.
Earlier this week, Sensible County Sheriff Lane Akin stated they consider Athena doubtless ran away however did not rule out foul play. “It might be any variety of issues and we’re all these prospects.”
The Sensible County Sheriff’s Workplace stated they obtained a name from her stepmother reporting her lacking after the 2 had an argument whereas her father was not house. Police stated she spent “about an hour” in search of her earlier than contacting the sheriff’s workplace.
An Amber Alert was issued for Athena on Thursday and several hundred volunteers got here out to Sensible County to assist within the search.
This can be a creating story and will likely be up to date as extra data turns into out there.
