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

BY AMY MCDANIEL
UPDATED DECEMBER 03, 2022 12:17 AM



North Texas authorities said the body of 7-year-old Athena Strand, who had been missing since Wednesday evening in Wise County, was found Friday. A FedEx driver has been arrested and faces charges of murder and kidnapping. FAMILY PHOTO Facebook

Developing Story

A FedEx contract driver has been arrested and accused of kidnapping and killing 7-year-old Athena Strand, authorities announced Friday night. Click on the arrow below to read more on this developing story.

The body of 7-year-old Athena Strand was found in Wise County on 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 Fort Worth, according to public records. He’s in the Wise County Jail and faces charges of capital murder and aggravated kidnapping. Authorities said he has confessed to the crime and told them where Athena’s body was.

Horner was making a delivery in front of Athena’s house at the time she disappeared Wednesday, and law enforcement received a tip which led authorities to investigate him, Wise County Sheriff Lane Akin said. FedEx has been cooperating with the investigation, which includes the FBI and Texas Rangers.

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The sheriff said investigators believe Athena died within an hour of her abduction. Authorities have not said how she died or exactly where her body was found, but that it was within a few miles of her home.

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