Athena Strand's mother speaks about her daughters abduction and murder | LiveNOW from FOX

Maityln Gandy, the mother of Athena Strand, spoke about her 7-year-old daughter's tragic kidnapping and death in Wise County, Texas. Athena Strand went missing, sparking a massive search. Her body was found on Friday evening in Boyd, about six miles away from Strand's Paradise home. 31-year-old Tanner Horner, a delivery driver contracted by FedEx, was delivering a package to Strand's home at the time she disappeared. He faces capital murder and aggravated kidnapping charges.

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[lauriec]

Monsters who harm children should not be shown any mercy, just as they didn’t show any mercy to their victims. This is so tragic and heartbreaking. Praying for her family and loved ones.

[tiddlesa.]

I was a delivery driver in Australia and the children would excitedly await for the arrival of parcels and would run out and want to climb into my van to see what I had for them. As a mother I would tell them never to get into a strangers van and would tell the parents to not let their children to come out on their own. Was Athena waiting for her present like I’m describing? Parents please be aware because the next van may not even be a delivery driver. Prayers for this family and may this monster forever rot in hell.

[rhondacarpenter]

This is so fricken crazy, , this man dropping off a Christmas gift for this little girl and he kidnapped and killed her, just when you think you seen it all it tends to get worse, this is so tragic, this poor baby girl, what she went through with this man, God be with this family for strength, I can't even imagine the pain this mother is enduring

[dreamerqueennotunderthemachine]

Heartbreaking isn't even the word for this. Her mom is so brave and strong to be able to speak about such excruciating grief.

[julievanderleest]

If this doesn’t shatter your heart, I don’t know if you have one. I’m so sorry for the terrible loss this mom and her family faces. This is seriously one of the the saddest tragedies ever. Hugs to Athena’s mom and dad, her siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles. There’s just no greater loss one can suffer.❤💔❤️

[Dani-ICU-RN]

The worst nightmare ever written...My heart weeps for you mom..and all family...

[jenn]

No reason to apologize mom, let the tears flow...applaud you with tears of sympathy & courage for giving voice to your daughter. My heart goes out to you & family

[heyadora]

Not a lot of cases make me feel nauseous but this case has a physical hold on me. I’m praying for this mom and I can’t even imagine her pain 😢

[sea]

This is why I treat everyone as a potential threat and encourage other parents to do the same. I grew up in an area where the chances were greater. Although, this area was in a better town, it proves you just never know. My condolences extend to this family. RIP little one. So sorry this happened.

[destinygatez]

Hearing her talk made me break down in tears thinking of my step son. I can’t imagine what the father and step mom are going through. I know they’re blaming themselves but how could anyone see this happening? This is why I’m such a helicopter step parent. I watch everyone around them. If someone so much as smiles at them I’m on guard. Bless this mom, dad and step mom. I’m sorry for their loss. My step son as well has blue eyes too… 💔

[jadeoneil]

Oh goodness. Seeing her little Christmas present is heart breaking. My heart is literally in my stomach over her loss. Rest easy sweetheart

[amandalynn]

My heart aches so much for this family. I pray Athena gets the justice she deserves.

[ThatsSoBeba]

I have a 7 year old son, my heart literally aches thinking about anyone harming my baby, let alone something this extreme. 7 year olds are so pure and loving, so smart yet still so innocent. The terror that baby must have felt after being taken makes me sick to my stomach 😢😢😢😢

[kt]

It hurts to listen to how much pain this mother is in. I give her props to being able to get through what she had to say. She's stronger than I would be for sure. 🥺

[jadebarrie]

My heart weeps for Athena’s family and friends - there is nothing more evil than to take the life of a child.

[innocentnemesis]

What an unnecessary and evil act. I’m so sorry, Athena 💔🕊

[Ellias.]

As a mother that has lost a small child, and now has a six year old....I can tell you that lost that Athena's mother feel, never goes away. I want for Athena, and for the sub-human monster that killed her to both be served with justice. I just wanna say that I have also worked for Fed-Ex, and they do background checks before you can work there. I am not sure they can hold Fed-Ex accountable for that. The monster who did this, did it out of the evil from within his own heart! RIP Athena💔

[MsEAHolcomb]

My heart screams out in pain for this mama and the rest of the family. Such a sweet and precious little girl taken from this world by such a hateful, heartless monster. Prayers and heartfelt thoughts ~ R.I.P. little one.

[dani.dee]

To hear the pain in her voice. Its heart wrenching. I cannot believe this happened. This babygirl deserved a beautiful, long and happy life. The fact we have monsters everywhere, consistently taking away innocent precious babies that have done NOTHING to anyone, or society... It's very tragic. But its also extremely scary.

Watch your babies close, and always be alert about your surroundings, we live in a time where people will do horrendous things, to adults, and children, and no one is safe anywhere.

Rest in peace Precious Athena, <3.

[abstractmilk]

As a father this crushes me. I’m so sorry for their loss. God bless this family during this difficult time.