Horrific Details Emerge In Death Of 7-Year-Old Girl Allegedly Killed By FedEx Driver

Horrific details have emerged about the death of the 7-year-old Texas girl allegedly killed by a FedEx driver.

Athena Strand reportedly went missing Nov. 30 while in the care of her stepmother. Authorities brought 31-year-old FedEx driver Tanner Lynn Horner into custody Saturday after he allegedly abducted Strand from her driveway while delivering a package. Horner was delivering a Christmas gift for Strand, according to Fox4.

Horner later confessed he took the girl, and her body was found Dec. 2.

After two days missing, #AthenaStrand’s body has been found in Wise County TX. Sheriff says a contract FedEx driver who had delivered a package to her address has confessed to the abduction and murder. Prayers for this angel, her family and her community. pic.twitter.com/zbqYpwKrZu

— Mark Davis (@MarkDavis) December 3, 2022

Horner told police that while backing up his FedEx truck he accidentally hit Strand, according to Fox4. He said Strand was alive and not seriously injured after the alleged incident, and that she spoke to him and told him her name, the outlet continued. Horner said he put her in the van in a moment of panic, Fox4 reported, citing court documents.

Horner allegedly tried to snap Strand’s neck to kill her but was unsuccessful, so he strangled her in the back of his FedEx van, according to Fox4. (RELATED: Mom Of 7-Year-Old Girl Allegedly Killed By FedEx Driver Shares Heartbreaking Video Of Other Daughter Crying For Sister)

Horner said he killed Strand because he was afraid she would tell her father she had been hit by the van, Fox4 reported.

Horner has been charged with capital murder and aggravated kidnapping, according to the outlet.