FedEx Contract Driver Arrested And Charged With Kidnapping And Murdering 7-Year-Old Texas Girl

A FexEx contract driver was arrested on Friday and facing charges in connection to the kidnapping and murder of a 7-year-old Texas girl.

Tanner Lynn Horner, 31, has been arrested and charged with capital murder and aggravated kidnapping. He is being held on a $1.5 million bond. 

At a news conference on Friday night, Wise County Sheriff Lane Akin told reporters they had a confession from Horner. 

Athena Strand arrived at her Paradise home from school on Wednesday afternoon like normal. However, she was reported missing by her stepmother at about 6:40 p.m. Horner had delivered a package to the residence around the time the child was discovered missing. 

The girl’s disappearance kicked off a large search party, with more than 200 people from the community helping to search for Strand. Officials said that the search included help from helicopters with thermal imaging, neighboring police departments, Texas Rangers, and the FBI.

FBI special agent James Dwyer said investigators worked with FedEx throughout the investigation and were able to look through digital evidence. He did not specifically say what comprises the digital evidence.  

Investigators believe Strand was killed within an hour of being abducted. Her body was discovered outside of Boyd on Friday. A cause of death has not been revealed.

FedEx issued a statement saying they are fully cooperating with law enforcement and their thoughts and prayers are with Strand’s family.

“Words cannot describe our shock and sorrow at the reports surrounding this tragic event,” the company said.