Murdered Athena Strand's funeral held as mom Maitlyn Gandy says 'not anywhere close' to letting her go
WISE COUNTY, TEXAS: The family and friends of Athena Strand said goodbye to her at a private funeral on Friday, December 9. The funeral took place a day after the release of the arrest warrant for the alleged killer. Former FedEx contract driver Tanner Horner told investigators he was dropping off a package at Athena's home when he accidentally hit the 7-year-old child in Wise County. After hitting her, he took her into his car and murdered her when she could still speak and even told Tanner her name was Athena.
Tanner Horner, 31, was eventually charged by police with capital murder and aggravated kidnapping. Horner told investigators he was delivering a box to Strand when he accidentally ran her over with his truck, according to the arrest statement. Horner told authorities the girl was not seriously injured and was talking to him when he "panicked" and threw her into his truck, later killing her.
