Police have been searching for the lacking Wise County woman for nearly two days and put out an AMBER Alert, however not but introduced discovering any proof.
PARADISE, Texas — Update at 6:21 p.m.: As the second day of looking for lacking Wise County 7-year-old Athena Strand continues, an enormous police presence has arrived along a stretch of County Road 4599, lower than 10 miles from her household’s residence.
It just isn’t but clear why the police have gathered on this location, nevertheless it appeared on the scene as if legislation enforcement officers have been investigating a ditch along the aspect of the street, which it had closed off to through-traffic with police tape.
It’s been two days since 7-year-old Athena Strand was final seen, and Wise County deputies are nonetheless looking for the lacking woman.
An AMBER Alert was issued Thursday afternoon, describing Strand as “endangered” and saying she was final seen sporting a grey/black long-sleeve shirt, blue denims with flowers on the entrance pockets and brown boots.
Wise County Sheriff Lane Akin stated Athena’s stepmother first referred to as police at about 6:40 p.m. on Wednesday after noticing she wasn’t in her room on the home her father owns.
Foul play is not suspected right now, police stated. But in addition they add that it hasn’t been dominated out.
Child Protective Services confirmed to WFAA that they’ve by no means had any instances involving Athena. However, sources advised WFAA that CPS has visited the house prior to research the stepmother and one other little one.
Police stated Athena first received off her faculty bus at her father’s residence at about 4:15 p.m. Wednesday. Her father wasn’t residence when Athena went lacking; he was on his approach to a deer looking journey.
Athena’s stepmother advised police she and Strand received into an argument in some unspecified time in the future, which Akin stated the stepmother advised police wasn’t uncommon for his or her relationship.
When the stepmother went to make dinner, police stated, that is when she went to seek out Athena in her room and realized she wasn’t in the home.
After looking for Athena for an hour, the stepmother referred to as 911, prompting a police search that started along with EMS and volunteer firefighters. Search canines have been additionally used Wednesday night time along with thermal imaging from the air, however solely wildlife was seen.
The search was referred to as off at about 4:30 a.m. on Thursday, then restarted just a few hours later with about 200 residents becoming a member of in to comb the world. Still, nothing was discovered — not Athena, nor any proof. About 50 acres have been searched in whole because the search started.
Akin stated registered intercourse offenders within the space have been interviewed as a part of the investigation as properly.
At one level, search canines discovered a scent round the home, however nothing outdoors of the perimeter.
The FBI, Texas DPS, U.S. Marshals and Texas Rangers are additionally aiding within the search and investigation, with the FBI utilizing digital sources to take a look at issues like cellphone information and social media posts.
Police stated the daddy and stepmother are cooperating with their investigation. Akin stated they’re appearing “appropriately” to the scenario.
But Athena’s mom Maitlyn Gandy and her sister (and Athena’s aunt) Keeland Kulbeth stated issues aren’t including up proper now, and that Athena would not simply wander away.
Athena has wandered off earlier than, they stated, nevertheless it was by no means critical; she was at all times discovered rapidly after it occurred. They stated she’s gone to neighbors’ homes within the nation to go to as properly.
Kulbeth stated that, from what she had been advised, Athena could have been upset at her father for leaving to go looking.
“We definitely don’t believe Athena ran off,” Kulbeth stated. “We’re not sure if she’s been abducted. We just want everyone to keep an eye out and bring her home to us.”
Kulbeth described Athena as a really loving and pleasant child who loves folks and flowers.
“She’s a girly-girl,” Kulbeth stated. “I just can’t see her running away.”
Kulbeth stated she and Athena usually experience horses collectively, which they have been planning to do that weekend in Comanche, Oklahoma, along with seeing a Christmas parade.
“We take her to see movies, and we’re ready for her to come home,” Kulbeth stated. “I just want her home and safe where I can physically see her… I’m scared and I’m hoping that we find her because I wouldn’t want anyone to be in this situation right now.”
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