FedEx driver charged with kidnapping, killing 7-year-old girl, officials say

The search for a missing 7-year-old Texas girl ended days after her body was found and a FedEx contract driver was charged with the kidnapping and killing, authorities said Friday.

The search for girl Athena Strand began Wednesday in Paradise, Texas, about 40 miles northwest of Fort Worth. Nearly 200 volunteers and numerous law enforcement agencies participated in the search using dogs and helicopters equipped with thermal imaging cameras.

Her body was found on Friday, but authorities declined to say where.

Authorities identified the FedEx driver as Tanner Lynn Horner, 31, and said he was charged with aggravated kidnapping and capital murder of a child under the age of 10.

Authorities said Mr. Horner did not know the family or the girl, or that Athena had been taken from her neighborhood.

Wise County Sheriff Lane Akin said Mr. Horner admitted killing the girl and said authorities believe she was killed within an hour of her abduction. They declined to specify how she died, or what led them to believe she died within an hour of her abduction.

“It’s been a really tough few days and I’m so proud of the people here who helped us reach some resolutions, gained some understanding, provided answers for the families,” Sheriff Arkin said at a news conference Friday. .”

Athena got off the school bus at around 4:15 p.m. Wednesday and returned to her Paradise home, authorities said. Officials did not specify whether anyone was home at the time.

Then, around 6:40 p.m., Athena’s stepmother called 911 to report the girl missing. Authorities arrived at the house within 14 minutes and issued an Amber Alert, Sheriff Arkin said.

Sheriff Arkin said a tip received on Friday helped to identify Mr. Horner.

“We knew early in the investigation that a FedEx driver was making a delivery in front of the house and around the same time, little Athena, 7, went missing,” the sheriff said. “And this investigative team continues an excellent job. Working, they were able to determine that the driver had kidnapped Athena.”

“Digital evidence and a partnership with FedEx” helped establish his identity, said James J. Dwyer, the acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Dallas office. Horner. He gave no details about the digital evidence.

Authorities said Mr. Horner is from Lake Worth, although court records show the address is in Fort Worth. He is being held in the Wise County Jail on $1.5 million bond. It was unclear on Saturday whether Mr. Horner had an attorney.

Since 2010, an average of fewer than 350 people under the age of 21 have been kidnapped by strangers in the U.S. each year, according to FBI data.

in seconds statement on twitterFedEx said it was cooperating with authorities.

“Our hearts go out to the family of Athena Strand at this most difficult time,” the statement said. “Words cannot describe our shock and sadness at this tragic event.”



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