FedEx driver kidnapped 7-12 months-old Texas girl who was located lifeless Friday, officials say

A FedEx contract driver in Texas was arrested Friday and accused of kidnapping and murder in the dying of a 7-12 months-aged lady who went lacking two days earlier, officials mentioned.

The disappearance of Athena Strand, who vanished Wednesday from her dwelling in Paradise in Smart County, prompted a significant search with all-around 200 volunteers from the local community.

On Friday, authorities located her entire body southeast of the town of Boyd, a town close to 11 miles away, Wise County Sheriff Lane Akin informed reporters.

“We do have a confession,” Akin reported at a news convention Friday night.

The driver, Tanner Lynn Horner, 31, has been arrested on prices of cash murder and aggravated kidnapping, Akin mentioned.

He was becoming held in jail in lieu of $1.5 million bond Friday evening. It was not straight away distinct Friday evening if Horner experienced an legal professional who could communicate on his behalf.

Athena arrived house from university Wednesday afternoon like she commonly does and around 6:40 p.m. her stepmother documented the youngster missing, Akin has mentioned.

Horner sent a package at the home all over the time she was uncovered missing, Akin said Friday night. Investigators feel the girl died in just about an hour of the abduction, he said.

Officers at a information meeting did not expose a motive and did not say how the boy or girl died.

FedEx claimed in a statement that their views are with the loved ones, and the organization is cooperating completely with legislation enforcement.

“Words simply cannot describe our shock and sorrow at the reviews surrounding this tragic celebration,” FedEx stated.

It directed other questions to legislation enforcement. It was not very clear how long Horner had been a deal driver with the company.

Athena’s disappearance prompted a search that integrated helicopters with thermal imaging, support from the Texas Rangers and neighboring law enforcement departments, and the FBI, among the other people, officers explained. The Texas Division of Public Protection issued an Amber Notify.

James Dwyer, FBI exclusive agent in charge of the Dallas area business, explained investigators had been in a position to seem as a result of digital proof and operate with FedEx in the investigation. He did not say what the digital evidence was.

Tale carries on

Dwyer reported he hoped the Strand family members has some closure. “We know that they’re hurting, but we do supply our deepest condolences,” he claimed.

Akin said that when the child’s body was taken to the health-related examiner’s office Friday, one Texas Ranger traveled in front and a person behind the automobile.

“This community does not like shedding our children,” he reported. “And you can see it due to the fact of all the men and women who came out and served us during this ordeal.”

This short article was originally released on NBCNews.com