Deceased Amber Alert Issued as Search Efforts Expand for Missing 7-Year-Old Girl in Wise County

[Satanica]

An Amber Alert was issued Thursday afternoon as multiple state and local law enforcement agencies joined the search for a missing 7-year-old girl last seen late Wednesday afternoon in Wise County.

Wise County Sheriff Lane Akin said the girl's stepmother reported 7-year-old Athena Strand missing at 5:40 p.m. after the girl disappeared from her room. The stepmother said she searched for about an hour before contacting the sheriff's office for help.

"We know that there was a little bit of an argument between her and her step-mom last night but it isn't anything unusual," said Akin. "There was that argument then step-mom went to fix dinner, came back to get Athena, and Athena wasn't in her room."

Strand was last seen at about 4:45 p.m. in the vicinity of the 200 block of County Road 3573 in Paradise, Akin said.

"We're looking at all the possibilities but right now we think the child walked away and maybe got lost," Akin told NBC 5.

Hundreds of law enforcement and volunteers spent Thursday canvassing homes, hillsides and rugged terrain for any sign of the first grader, who relatives say was afraid of the dark.

"We definitely don't believe Athena ran off," said Keeland Kulbeth, Athena's aunt and sister to Athena's mom.

Strand was last seen wearing a gray long-sleeve shirt with white flowers, blue jeans with white flowers on the pockets, and brown boots. She has pierced ears but no earrings and two red birthmarks on her lower back.

"She's a very loving, friendly kid, loves people, loves animals, loves flowers, she’s a very girly girl," said Kulbeth.
[....]
The search was expected to continue overnight Thursday.

"We're not going to give up. We're going to keep working," said Akin.

Akin said helicopters with thermal imaging were used last night but showed no sign or presence of a child. He said digital resources are being examined by investigators.

"I'm scared and I'm hoping that we find her 'cause I wouldn't want anyone to be in this right now," said Kulbeth.

Anyone with information that can help locate the girl is asked to call the Wise County Sheriff's Office at 940-627-5971.

Please Share: Search Expands for Missing Wise County Girl

Athena Strand, 7, was last seen Wednesday night and police have been searching for her since, police say.

www.nbcdfw.com

 

[DeeDee]

Step mom and Athena argue and she just vanished from her room? I'm suspicious already. My sister used to do the running away stuff too though so I guess its possible.

The neighbors say they don't think it's true she wandered off on her own. She normally lived with her mother in Oklahoma but her mom let her live with her dad in Texas for a semester. So step mom suddenly got an extra person to take care of. We have all read this beginning to the story before hundreds of times.

I hope they find her safely and her step mom didn't hurt her.

 

[thuumpr]

we'll have to wait and see.

 

[runninfawn]

we'll have to wait and see.

and hope for the best....

 

[Sue sue]

She dead..

The body of 7-year-old Athena Strand was found in Wise County Friday evening, and a FedEx contract driver has been arrested and accused of kidnapping and killing her, authorities said.

The suspect, Tanner Lynn Horner, 31, is from Lake Worth. He’s in the Wise County Jail and faces charges of capital murder and aggravated kidnapping. Authorities said he has confessed to the crime.

FedEx driver accused of kidnapping, murdering 7-year-old Athena Strand in North Texas

Wise County Sheriff Lane Akin said the child’s body has been found and the suspect has been arrested.

www.yahoo.com

 

[DeeDee]

Well I guess I'm an asshole for suspecting the step mom. Poor kid. Poor parents. This is the exact kind of shit that turns people into helicopter parents. He saw her and jumped at the opportunity to do harm.

I really do hope the parents are able to somehow find peace one day

 

[Sugar Cookie]

Update:
Athenas body has been found 6 miles from her home. Her body is going to the medical examiners office escorted by 2 Texas Rangers.
A fedex driver made a delivery at the house. The driver abducted Athena. He believes Athena died very quickly after her abduction by a contractor that works for FedEx. The suspect 31 year old Tanner Lynn Horner is currently in wise county jail and his being held on 1.5 million dollar bond for murder and aggravated kidnapping.

 

[Sugar Cookie]

 

[DeeDee]

So he made a delivery to Athena's house? It really was just total spur of the moment, split second thing. Saw her and grabbed her just like that. Unreal.

What the hell is wrong with this guy. There absolutely had to be a ton of warning signs. You don't just suddenly kill a random child out of nowhere.

I hope they fry him. Texas loves their executions and I hope he lives a few years in prison forgotten by everyone he cares about, watching his back every second for a beating. And then kill him and be done with it.

The poor mother who agreed to let her go visit for a semester. She is going to blame herself for all time. Same as step mom. She's going to agonize over their little fight, blame herself for not hearing it happen and rescuing her. This is just sickeningly sad all around.

 

[Sugar Cookie]

 

[Nell]

I saw her mom’s Facebook. She was a great mom, and this has broke her.

 

[Sugar Cookie]

@Nell

Just thinking of what the mom and family are going through makes me want to cry.

 

[Busy Bee]

The courts need to refine the sentencing guidelines for these kind of violent, sexual offenses!! Had he been properly sentenced for his previous violent, sexual rape he would not have been able to murder Athena Strand.

 

[Sugar Cookie]

Some people can not be rehabilitated or deserve a second chance in society.

 

[Turd Fergusen]

Of all stupid times/occupations to kidnap! Fed Ex guys are tracked and when they deliver a package it is time stamped. You couldn't leave a bigger trail of evidence unless you did it on FB Live! I hope they fry this guy.

 

[thuumpr]

looks as though he could use a haircut...

let's crack open that egg and trim it on the inside.

 

[Sejanus]

Strap him down and use a meat slicer on him.
Start at his feet and move up.
Slowly.

Bet he has killed before.

 

[Sugar Cookie]

The FedEx driver accused of abducting and killing a 7-year-old girl last week in Texas told authorities that he strangled her after accidentally hitting her with his van while making a delivery at her home, according to an arrest warrant.

Tanner Lynn Horner, 31, told investigators that Athena Strand wasn't seriously hurt after he hit her while backing up, but he panicked and put her in his van. He said she was talking to him and told him her name, the affidavit said.

The affidavit said Horner took investigators to where he'd left Athena's body.

Horner remained jailed Thursday on $1.5 million bond.

FedEx driver says he strangled 7-year-old after accidentally hitting her with delivery van

The mom of 7-year-old Athena Strand, who authorities say was killed by a FedEx driver, said the man dropped off a gift for the girl the day she disappeared.

local12.com

 

[Turd Fergusen]

Heartbreaking...

FedEx driver accused of killing Athena Strand was delivering her Christmas gift​

The FedEx driver accused of abducting and murdering 7-year-old Athena Strand was dropping off her Christmas present — a set of Barbie dolls called the “You can be anything” collection, her mom said.

Tanner Lynn Horner allegedly dropped off the box containing six Barbies of different races and statures when he nabbed Athena from her father’s home in Paradise, Texas, Nov. 30, mother Maitlyn Gandy said at a Thursday news conference.

“Athena was robbed of the opportunity to grow up to be anything she wanted to be. And this present ordered out of innocence and love is one she will never receive,” Gandy said, adding that it was the first time she was seeing the gift the family had been looking forward to watching her daughter open Christmas morning.

FedEx driver accused of killing Athena Strand was delivering her Christmas gift

“The joy Athena gave her family, and the joy she felt on Christmas is something we will never feel with here again.”

nypost.com

 

[McDanel]

So, he had to kidnap and strangle her, because he hit her with his truck? GTFO.

 

[Sugar Cookie]

“(Horner) stated when he was backing up in the FedEx truck he accidentally hit Athena with the truck, but she was not seriously injured, panicked and put her in the van,” the affidavit states. “(Horner) stated Athena was alive at that time, talking to him, and told him her name was Athena. (Horner) stated he attempted to break Athena’s neck to kill her. (Horner) stated, when he attempted to break Athena’s neck it did not work so he strangled with his bare hands in the back of the FedEx van.”

He told investigators he strangled her “because she was going to tell her father about being hit by the FedEx truck the defendant was operating,” according to the affidavit.

Affidavit: Horner says he hit Athena Strand with truck, then killed her to silence her - Wise County Messenger

Tanner Lynn Horner told investigators he accidentally struck Athena Strand with his delivery vehicle at the child's Cottondale home and later strangled her with his hands so she wouldn't tell her father what happened, according to a newly released arrest affidavit in the case.

www.wcmessenger.com

 

[julesofthe7seas]

I know that I've read many times that an Amber Alert can only be issued if they have a vehicle or suspect identified, yet this Alert has neither. Have they changed the requirements?

 

[Turd Fergusen]

I know that I've read many times that an Amber Alert can only be issued if they have a vehicle or suspect identified, yet this Alert has neither. Have they changed the requirements?

Not accurate.

The decision to declare an AMBER Alert is made by each police organization (in many cases, the state police or highway patrol) that investigates each of the abductions. Public information in an AMBER Alert usually consists of the name and description of the abductee, a description of the suspected abductor, and a description and license plate number of the abductor's vehicle if available.

Amber alert - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[PawneeDew]

Heartbreaking...

FedEx driver accused of killing Athena Strand was delivering her Christmas gift​

FedEx driver accused of killing Athena Strand was delivering her Christmas gift

“The joy Athena gave her family, and the joy she felt on Christmas is something we will never feel with here again.”

nypost.com

This. This is what literally makes me give up Hope..He was delivering her Christmas present. I'll never understand why people like this exist. I just wanna scream.

 

[DeeDee]

What are the odds he won't get the death penalty somehow? I really want this guy to fear his upcoming demise.

 

[Satanica]

I know that I've read many times that an Amber Alert can only be issued if they have a vehicle or suspect identified, yet this Alert has neither. Have they changed the requirements?

Summary of Department of Justice Recommended Criteria​

• There is reasonable belief by law enforcement that an abduction has occurred.
• The law enforcement agency believes that the child is in imminent danger of serious bodily injury or death.
• There is enough descriptive information about the victim and the abduction for law enforcement to issue an AMBER Alert to assist in the recovery of the child.
• The abduction is of a child aged 17 years or younger.
• The child’s name and other critical data elements, including the Child Abduction flag, have been entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) system.

There is reasonable belief by law enforcement that an abduction has occurred.​

AMBER plans require law enforcement to confirm an abduction prior to issuing an alert. This is essential when determining the level of risk to the child. Clearly, stranger abductions are the most dangerous for children and thus are primary to the mission of an AMBER Alert. To allow activations in the absence of significant information that an abduction has occurred could lead to abuse of the system and ultimately weaken its effectiveness. At the same time, each case must be appraised on its own merits and a judgment call made quickly. Law enforcement must understand that a “best judgment” approach, based on the evidence, is appropriate and necessary.

The law enforcement agency believes that the child is in imminent danger of serious bodily injury or death.​

Plans require a child be at risk for serious bodily harm or death before an alert can be issued. This element is clearly related to law enforcement’s recognition that stranger abductions represent the greatest danger to children. The need for timely, accurate information based on strict and clearly understood criteria is critical, again keeping in mind the “best judgment” approach.

There is enough descriptive information about the victim and the abduction for law enforcement to issue an AMBER Alert to assist in the recovery of the child.​

For an AMBER Alert to be effective in recovering a missing child, the law enforcement agency must have enough information to believe that an immediate broadcast to the public will enhance the efforts of law enforcement to locate the child and apprehend the suspect. This element requires as much descriptive information as possible about the abducted child and the abduction, as well as descriptive information about the suspect and the suspect’s vehicle. Issuing alerts in the absence of significant information that an abduction has occurred could lead to abuse of the system and ultimately weaken its effectiveness.

The abduction is of a child aged 17 years or younger.​

Every state adopt the “17 years of age or younger” standard; or, at a minimum, agree to honor the request of any other state to issue an AMBER Alert, even if the case does not meet the responding state’s age criterion, as long as it meets the age criterion of the requesting state. Most AMBER plans call for activation of the alert for children under a certain age. The problem is that age can vary---some plans specify 10, some 12, some 14, 15, and 16. Differences in age requirements create confusion when an activation requires multiple alerts across states and jurisdictions. Overuse of the AMBER Alert system will undermine its effectiveness as a tool for recovering abducted children.

The child's name and other critical data elements, including the Child Abduction flag, have been entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) system.​

Immediately enter AMBER Alert data into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) system. Text information describing the circumstances surrounding the abduction of the child should be entered, and the case flagged as a Child Abduction. Many plans do not mandate entry of the data into NCIC, but this omission undermines the entire mission of the AMBER Alert initiative. The notation on the entry should be sufficient to explain the circumstances of the disappearance of the child. Entry of the alert data into NCIC expands the search for an abducted child from the local, state, or regional level to the national. This is a critical element of any effective AMBER Alert plan.

Guidelines for Issuing AMBER Alerts | AMBER Alert

The following guidelines for issuing AMBER Alerts is designed to achieve a uniform, interoperable network of plans across the country, and to minimize potentially deadly delays because of confusion among varying jurisdictions.

amberalert.ojp.gov

 

[Satanica]

WISE COUNTY, Texas - The father of Athena Strand, the Wise County girl who authorities say was killed by a contracted Fedex driver earlier this month, has filed a lawsuit against Tanner Horner, the man accused of killing her, along with FedEx and the contractor that hired Horner.

Nearly a week after the 7-year-old was laid to rest, Jacob Strand filed the suit in Wise County against Horner, Big Topspin Inc., and FedEx. He is seeking more than $1 million in damages and a jury trial.

The lawsuit accuses FedEx and the Dallas contractor for FedEx that employed Horner of negligence by hiring Horner, claiming they failed to implement safety policies and procedures.

The address for Big Topspin listed in the arrest affidavit and public records is a home in Dallas, near Addison.

When a FOX 4 crew knocked on the door, a woman identified herself as the wife of Big Topspin's owner.

She said they hope to put out a statement soon, but for now, they have been advised to not comment.
[....]

Athena Strand's father sues FedEx, Tanner Horner, delivery company that hired him

The father of Athena Strand has filed a lawsuit against the man accused of killing her, FedEx, and the contractor who hired the alleged murderer.

www.fox4news.com

 

[Turd Fergusen]

@Satanica you might want to change the status from "missing" to "deceased".

 

[Satanica]

Thank you so much for pointing that out!

 

[Turd Fergusen]

I forget too sometimes.