Authorities have released more details surrounding the death of seven-year-old Athena Strand.
Last week, the nation was stunned to learn of the news that Athena's body had been discovered following a search that involved around 200 volunteers and members of the local police department, the Texas Department of Public Safety, US Marshals, the FBI, and Texas Rangers.
At the time, Wise County Sheriff Lane Akin announced that 31-year-old FedEx contract driver Tanner Lynn Horner had been arrested on the charges of capital murder and aggravated kidnapping. Officials have revealed that Horner - of Lake Worth, Texas - had delivered a package to the girl's home around the time she went missing.
Police officials said that a delivery driver abducted Strand and that she likely died within an hour based on digital evidence and a confession, CBS News reported.
Fox4News has now reported further details surrounding Athena's death after the release of a newly filed arrest affidavit.
According to Horner's confession, the driver had finished delivering a package to the home of Athena's father in Paradise, Wise County. As he was backing up his FedEx truck, he claims to have accidentally struck Athena.
Horner has told investigators that the child was alive and not seriously hurt after he struck her with the vehicle - even being able to tell him her name.
However, court documents show that a panicking Horner picked up Athena and placed her in the truck.
In an attempt to kill the child, he tried to break her neck. Failing to do so, he then strangled her in the back of his vehicle. Horner's reported reason for killing the child was due to the fact he didn't want Athena to tell her parents what had happened.
Following his arrest, Horner directed investigators to CR 4668 in Boyd - the location of where he tried to hide Athena's body in the water.
Sheriff Akin is now reportedly seeking the death penalty for Athena's murder.
Earlier in the day, Athena had returned from school that afternoon as usual. After a disagreement with her stepmom, she reportedly left the family home. Athena's father was out on a hunting trip at the time.
When Athena's stepmother went to tell Athena that her dinner was ready, she noticed the child was not in her room, per Wise County Sheriff Lane Akin. At approximately 6:40PM, the stepmother called 911 and alerted the authorities about Athena's disappearance.
The local community have since paid tribute to Athena by placing pink balloons around the area where he body was found. Athena's mom says pink was her favorite color.
In an emotional Facebook post, Athena's grieving mom, Maitlyn Gandy penned a message aimed at Horner.
Sharing images of Horner's mugshot, Gandy wrote the following message:
"This is the monster that took my baby from me and this world. You will know her name, Tanner. Her name IS Athena Presley Monroe Strand. I know your DOB, 8/8/1991. Do you know hers? I will make damn sure you learn what you took from me and her daddy."
Our thoughts continue to go out to anybody affected by this tragedy.
