A FedEx driver was accused of being responsible for the kidnapping and murder of a 7-year-old girl in North Texas.
Tanner Lynn Horner, of 31 years, he would have taken the minor from outside his father’s house, where he had delivered a package this week.
Athena Strand disappeared Wednesday afternoon from the house in Paradise, which unleashed the activation of an AMBER Alert and hundreds of volunteers who joined their search.
His body was located Friday afternoon thanks to a tip received by investigators earlier.
Lane Akin, Wise County Sheriff, said at a conference press last night that Horner faces charges of capital murder, for which he would be exposed to the death penalty if convicted.
Akin revealed that the driver of the parcel delivery company delivered one at the house Strand at the time the minor disappeared.
Authorities believe the little girl died within the same hour or so after she left the residence.
The sheriff further indicated that Horner confessed to the crime. Investigators have digital evidence not publicly disclosed as part of the case.
Akin also said that FedEx is collaborating with the investigation.
The cause and manner of death have not been revealed by the authorities. The victim’s body was located southeast of the town of Boyd. The precise location is unknown.
Horner, a resident of Lake Worth, Texas, remains in custody under $1.5 million bail.
After the girl’s disappearance, the The sheriff’s office received a call from her stepmother indicating that the minor had disappeared after the two argued when the father was not at home.