Missing 7-year-old from Wise County Found Dead

According to Wise County Sheriff Lane Akin, Athena Strand’s body was located approximately 6 miles east of Cottondale.

The 7-year-old girl was resported missing on Wednesday night and an Amber alert was issued on Thursday.

Earlier today, a tip was received regarding a FedEx truck and her disappearance. 

Tanner Lynn Horner, 31, confessed to police to abducting and killing Athena Strand.  Horner was working as a contract FedEx truck driver and was delivering a package to the home at the time of Athena’s disappearance.

FBI Acting Agent in Charge Jim Dwyer said authorities believe Strand died only about an hour after being abducted based on digital evidence and statements gathered while interviewing Horner. 

Horner is being charged with capital murder and aggravated kidnapping. He is booked into the Wise County Jail and his bond at this time is $1.5 million.

Officials say the suspect did not know the family.