Athena Strand: Mom gives first interview since 7-year-old’s death

DECATUR, Texas — In an workplace in Downtown Decatur, Maitlyn Gandy enters the room surrounded by her authorized workforce. 

She is the best to identify — her pink hair stands out above all. 

The coloration was Gandy’s oldest daughter Athena Strand’s favourite. The mom says her hair was initially supposed the colour to be crimson. But, nicely, it turned out the way in which it did. 

After enduring two of probably the most difficult weeks of her life following the homicide of her 7-year-old youngster, Gandy says she would possibly by no means change her hair coloration once more. 

“I don’t know if I can now,” Gandy informed WFAA earlier than sitting down for the first formal interview she’s given since her daughter’s death.

Gandy has been in an unforgiving and solemn highlight following Strand’s death. 

Investigators say a FedEx contract supply driver killed her after dropping off a package deal on the house of Strand’s father in rural Paradise. 

Athena had been residing together with her dad, who was sharing custody with Gandy. 

It was first believed that the little lady may need wandered off. Hundreds looked for her within the rural nook of Wise County — an AMBER Alert was even issued. 

WFAA first met Gandy hours after the alert. And she wasn’t satisfied her daughter had simply ran off. Her instincts as a mom feared one thing a lot worse — what that was, although, she did not but know. 

Police lastly zeroed in on suspect Tanner Horner, who had dropped off a group of Barbie dolls that had been a part of Strand’s Christmas presents on the day the lady went lacking. 

Horner, 31, confessed to police that he unintentionally hit Athena along with his supply van, panicked, put the little lady inside his automobile after which strangled her to death, fearing what penalties would come. 

After his confession, Horner led police to a rural a part of Boyd, the place he stated he deserted and hid Athena’s physique. 

Autopsy outcomes are nonetheless pending. 

Now prepared to talk publicly within the wake of dropping her daughter, Gandy tells WFAA that Sheriff Lane Akin broke the news to her alongside Athena’s father, Jacob. 

“I knew from the moment that Sheriff Akin walked in that he would tell me everything that I had felt that happened,” Gandy says. “It’s hard to look people in the face when you’re giving them the worst news of their life. So I knew when he walked into the room, and he was looking down. I remember feeling broken and empty, and I couldn’t breathe. It took my dad and the FBI trauma agent to help me start breathing again.” 

The most haunting a part of Horner’s confession: He informed investigators that little Athena was alive and speaking to him earlier than taking her life. 

Gandy says there was an opportunity for him to do the appropriate factor in that second, to name for assist or notify the household of what occurred.

“Jacob and I are very forgiving people,” Gandy says. “If Athena was not injured or there were just bumps and scrapes, he could have just driven away. Accidents happen, but he chose to do more — and what he did was unforgivable. I did Athena’s hair and dressed her before the funeral. I have a hard time believing Athena couldn’t have walked away. Athena could have just walked away… and I wish he would have let her.”

Horner is now dealing with a cost of capital homicide and aggravated kidnapping. An legal professional appointed by the court docket is representing him.  

Law enforcement and prosecutors in Wise County have made it identified that they are going to be in search of the death penalty in his case. 

Gandy absolutely agrees with that call. 

“I support the death penalty,” Gandy says. “Every breath he takes is one my daughter doesn’t.”

If there have been something Gandy might ask or say to Horner, she would give him a easy reminder. 

“If I could sit down in front of him, I would tell him that he is nothing, but Athena is absolutely everything,” Gandy says. “And I will make sure that everybody in this world knows that.”

Gandy has since employed a authorized workforce that’s now investigating the case for a potential civil go well with in opposition to FedEx Ground and the Dallas-based contractor that employed Horner, ‘Big Topspin Inc.’ Her husband Jacob and his authorized workforce have already filed such a lawsuit claiming negligence by the 2 firms. 

Big Topspin is run out of a residential house in Dallas and has but to reply to WFAA”s requests for remark. 

A spokesperson for FedEx informed WFAA Wednesday, “Our thoughts remain with the family of Athena Strand in the wake of this tragedy. We are aware of the complaint filed against FedEx Ground.”

Horner had no identified legal historical past, but questions encompass his employment historical past, coaching, onboarding and supervision. 

In the meantime, Gandy now watches and waits for Horner’s legal proceedings to start from her house in Comanche, Oklahoma. 

Athena’s homicide has gripped many in North Texas and the U.S. as a result of the circumstances surrounding her death really feel like anybody’s youngster might have suffered the identical destiny. 

But the ache stays with Gandy alone, who nonetheless cares for her different 3-year-old lady. 

“She doesn’t understand why she can’t call ‘sissy’ or why she hasn’t come home yet,” Gandy says. “I’m sad. I’m angry. I’m confused. I am doing my best. I’ve been scared, and I don’t sleep very often. I triple-check my doors every night, and I hold my 3-year-old tighter. I’m scared to let her go. Everything is just very scary and sad.”

But Gandy can be conscious of the monstrous assist and love she’s acquired since Athena’s death. 

Donations have poured in from throughout America and globally. School kids throughout Texas wore pink on the Monday after Athena’s death to assist Gandy and her household. 

Thousands attended vigils held for the little lady, and a number of other different memorial providers had been held. A gaggle of motorcyclists has even dubbed themselves “Athena’s Angels,” and so they’re driving this weekend to lift funds for Athena’s sisters and their future. 

Gandy additionally desires to create a basis in Athena’s identify to guard and advocate for kids. 

“Athena was so many things,” Gandy says. “She would run up to anyone, scream their name and give them hugs because she didn’t know a stranger.” 

“Raising her was the best seven years of my life, and I just expected a lot more years,” Gandy continues. “I only wish that everybody who helped me find Athena would have actually gotten to meet Athena. Because everybody would have loved her so much more than they think they already do. It was a privilege to know Athena and be her mother. I am so very grateful for everything that everyone’s done.” 

One of probably the most vital donations got here from Trey Ganem and SoulShine Industries, who made Athena’s casket for her funeral. 

Gandy stated probably the most difficult half for her, on the day of the service, was seeing Athena’s face one final time earlier than she was cremated. 

“I was the one who saw her face last,” she says. “I closed her casket before her daddy, uncles and grandfathers carried her out. I held her hand, kissed her and told her how sorry I was, and how much I love her. That was the last time I saw her.” 

Above all, Gandy says she has a easy want: Do not overlook Athena Strand. 

“I want people to know her,” Gandy says. “She’s not just a name or a face. She was a real little girl, and she was taken from me. I want people to know not to take the time with their children for granted because I would do anything to go back to May 23, 2015, and relive every moment from that time forward.”

Gandy’s authorized workforce continues to be asking for ideas as they examine what occurred. If you’ve got any information concerning the suspect’s employment, previous, or every other information or perception which may help investigators–they ask you to e-mail [email protected]. You may name (817) 203-2220.