Athena Strand - update: Mother vows to keep slain 7-year-old’s story alive after Tanner Horner murder arrest

Follow the latest developments in the disappearance and death of Athena Strand

Community mourns loss

The grieving community of Wise County, Texas, gathered to pay tribute to slain seven-year-old Athena Strand at a candlelight vigil on Tuesday night, days after she was abducted and murdered.

In her first public remarks since the horror killing, Athena’s mother Maitlyn Presley Gandy vowed to keep her daughter’s story alive.

“I want everyone to know Athena for Athena, not what someone tried to make her out to be. Because she was the best little girl,” she said.

Not mentioned during the vigil was suspect Tanner Horner, the FedEx driver accused of kidnapping and killing Athena on 30 November.

After Athena was reported missing, hundreds of volunteers joined the search before the little girl’s body was found six miles away from her Paradise home on Friday.

Police said that Mr Horner confessed to snatching the little girl before killing her within an hour of her abduction. He faces charges of capital murder and aggravated kidnapping.

No motive has been given for what police branded a “crime of opportunity”.

Key Points

• Grandfather says he ‘forgives’ killer
• Missing 7-year-old Texas girl's body found
• FedEx truck driver Tanner Lynn Horner arrested
• Mother says her ‘princess’ taken by ‘cruel monster'
• Athena Strand went missing on Wednesday

[7 December 2022 15:42 · Andrea Blanco]

Tanner Horner’s neighbours react as he’s accused of murdering Athena Strand

Speaking to the Forth Worth Star-Telegram, neighbours of Tanner Horner said that he lived with his grandmother and mother in the west Fort Worth neighbourhood and that he would leave for weeks at a time before returning home.

“I find it just shocking it was him,” a woman who asked not to be named told the outlet.

Athena’s body was found on Friday about six miles from her home. Wise County authorities said they were led to the exact location by Mr Horner.

The Independent has the story:

[7 December 2022 17:06 · Andrea Blanco]

Athena’s mom thanks restaurants for fundrraiser

Two restaurant locations in Texas and Oklahoma have raised $18,000 for the family of Athena Strand, who was abducted and killed last week by a FedEx driver.

On Tuesday, the staff dressed in pink to honour the little girl.

“I want to say thank you to Tony S Lopez and Don Jose restaurant and staff for their dedication and diligence to Athena’s legacy,” Athena’s mother, Maitlyn Presley Godny wrote in a Facebook post.

“On Monday, all proceeds from the Duncan, [OK], and Wichita Falls, [TX] locations were gathered and donated to support Athena’s legacy. I’ve seen pictures, thank you to all those that went lines looked packed to enjoy their delicious food.”

[7 December 2022 18:15 · Andrea Blanco]

Bikers raise $9,000 for Athena’s family

A group of motorcyclists have raised thousands of dollars to help support the family of Athena Strand.

On Monday, hundreds of motorcyclists took part in a ride from Azel to Paradise, Texas, in memory of the slain seven-year-old.

Many wore pink – the little girl’s favourite colour.

Athena’s mother Maitlyn Presley Gandy, thanked the bikers in a Facebook post for singing Frozen’s Let It Go, one of Athena’s favourite songs.

Her classmates, also dressed in pink, waved their hands at the bikers, who raised nearly $9,000 for the grieving family, WFAA reported.