HOUSTON — The FedEx driver accused of kidnapping and killing 7-year-old Athena Strand delivered her Christmas current –Barbie dolls — earlier than the lady’s disappearance, her mom mentioned Thursday.
Maitlyn Gandy referred to as for stricter screening insurance policies for supply drivers at a information convention, CNN reported. On an easel beside her was the package deal, a field of “You might be something” Barbie dolls. It was the primary time she’d seen the current, she mentioned.
The FedEx driver accused of kidnapping and killing 7-year-old Athena Strand delivered her Christmas current –Barbie dolls — earlier than the lady’s disappearance, her mom mentioned.
“Athena was robbed the chance to be something she wished to be,” a tearful Gandy mentioned. “I used to be robbed of watching her develop up, by a person that everybody was supposed to have the ability to belief to do only one easy process — ship a Christmas current and go away.”
Athena disappeared from the driveway of her house in Sensible County, Texas on November 30. After a county-wide search, her physique was recovered Friday night, in keeping with Sensible County Sheriff Lane Akin. Authorities imagine she was killed inside an hour of her alleged kidnapping, however her reason for dying remains to be below investigation, Akin mentioned Friday.
The suspect, recognized by authorities as a contract driver for FedEx, is 31-year-old Tanner Lynn Horner, Akin mentioned. He allegedly delivered a package deal to Athena’s father’s house when she disappeared, authorities mentioned.
RELATED: FedEx driver arrested in kidnapping, killing of 7-year-old Athena Strand, authorities say
Horner is being held in Sensible County jail on capital homicide and aggravated kidnapping expenses, in keeping with its web site. Bond was set at $1.5 million, Akin mentioned. CNN has repeatedly tried to find an lawyer for Horner, to no avail.
Horner allegedly instructed authorities that he strangled her after by chance hitting her along with his van whereas making a supply at her house, in keeping with an arrest warrant.
Investigators mentioned he instructed them that Strand wasn’t severely damage after he hit her whereas backing up, however he panicked and put her in his van. He mentioned she was speaking to him and instructed him her identify, the affidavit mentioned.
Horner additionally instructed police through the interview that he strangled Athena as a result of she was going to inform her father about being hit by the FedEx truck, in keeping with the warrant.
The affidavit mentioned Horner took investigators to the place he’d left Athena’s physique.
Gandy mentioned her aim is to have an effect on change in hiring insurance policies “in order that monsters sporting supply uniforms do not present up on our kids’s doorsteps.”
Her lawyer Benson Varghese mentioned he’s nonetheless within the “investigation section” of Athena’s case. Varghese mentioned his workplace has put individuals they “suppose may be accountable” on discover, asking them to protect any proof associated to the investigation.
Varghese mentioned he plans to carry any individual or company accountable “whose actions or inactions may have prevented this little lady’s tragic dying,” however mentioned he isn’t in a rush to file a lawsuit.
“The final word aim right here is to make sure that no father or mother, or grandparent, or member of the family feels the loss that Maitlyn’s going by way of proper now,” Varghese mentioned.
In a press release to CNN final week, FedEx expressed its sympathies and directed additional inquiries to legislation enforcement.
“Phrases can’t describe our shock and sorrow on the experiences surrounding this tragic occasion. At the beginning, our ideas are with the household throughout this most tough time, and we proceed to cooperate totally with the investigating authorities,” the assertion reads.
Earlier this week, a number of college districts throughout Texas wore pink in honor of Athena.
Gandy, who appeared at Thursday’s information convention sporting brilliant pink hair, mentioned she was grateful for the group’s outpouring of affection and help.
“I’ve felt your prayers, I’ve learn your messages and your letters and I see your pink in every single place.”
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The Related Press contributed to this put up.
