The FedEx driver accused of murdering seven-year-old Athena Strand could face the death penalty, multiple outlets have reported.
As previously detailed, Strand was reported missing on November 30 last year, prompting a widespread search involving hundreds of volunteers in the area. Just days later, on December 2, it was sadly announced by Texas' Wise County Sheriff Lane Akin that Strand's body had been discovered nearly 11 miles away from her father's home.
A FedEx driver - 31-year-old Tanner Lynn Horner - was arrested in connection to the murder and allegedly confessed to officials. CBS News reports that Strand likely died within an hour of being abducted.
Police say that Horner has claimed that he had accidentally hit Strand with his van while backing into her father's driveway to make a delivery - which turned out to be her Christmas present - but confessed that he strangled her when she said she would alert her father. He then reportedly dumped her body.
Strand's mother, Maitlyn Gandy, has previously spoken out about her daughter's tragic death, stating: "We are very forgiving people. If Athena was not injured or even if she had a few bumps and scrapes, he could have just driven away. We could have forgiven him [...] Accidents do happen, but he chose to do more - and what he did was unforgivable. I have a hard time believing Athena couldn't have walked away. Athena could have just walked away, and I wish he would have let her."
Police have now reportedly asked prosecutors involved in Strand's case to seek the death penalty for Horner's crimes, after he was indicted last week on two charges of aggravated kidnapping and capital murder of a person under the age of 10, per NBC DFW.
Grandy subsequently released a statement, saying: "I would like to thank the Wise County grand jury for their role in this process. Hearing the facts and circumstances of my 7-year-old daughter's kidnapping and murder was undoubtedly very difficult for them. I want them to know that their work is deeply appreciated.
"Tanner Horner's indictment is the beginning of a long road through the justice system. I appreciate everyone's continued support and for keeping Athena's name and memory alive. Please take a moment to hug your children and loved ones. No one is promised another day," it concluded.
If Horner is convicted on the capital murder charge, he could be facing either life in prison without parole or the death penalty. He is also being held on four charges relating to the sexual assault of a child in 2013, though this is unrelated to Strand's case.
In Texas, the only crime capable of resulting in a death penalty is capital murder, according to the Texas Penal Code. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice has detailed that three prisoners have already received the death penalty this year alone, while last year that number stood at five.
Our thoughts continue to go out to Athena's family and loved ones at this time.
