Attorney working on behalf of Athena Strand’s mother

WISE COUNTY, Texas — Newly retained authorized counsel for Athena Strand’s mother informed WFAA Wednesday evening the little lady’s demise might be totally investigated and that “any action inaction that led to the death of Strand is something that we are going to look into.” 

Benson Varghese of Varghese Summersett in Fort Worth added, “we’ll be doing our own thorough investigation to see who needs to be held responsible for what happened.” 

Varghese’s feedback trace at an impending authorized battle towards the transport big FedEx primarily based in Memphis. 

Wednesday marked one week since Strand was reported lacking. 

At the time, investigators in Wise County feared she had been kidnapped or wandered off from her rural house in Paradise. 

More than 48 hours later, police revealed Strand had been kidnapped by a FedEx contract driver who dumped the little lady’s physique close to Boyd after killing her.

Tanner Horner, 31, has since been charged with capital homicide and aggravated kidnapping. 

Sheriff Lane Akin revealed Wednesday Horner had been arraigned within the Wise County Jail early Saturday morning and that Horner stays in a single cell alone, away from reserving. 

His arrest paperwork stay unavailable right now. 

Strand’s legacy has been cemented and amplified over the past 72 hours. 

Several vigils have been held, and North Texans have worn pink, the little lady’s favourite coloration, to recollect her. 

Strand’s mother, Maitlyn Gandy, publicly spoke for the primary time for the reason that little lady’s demise on Tuesday evening at a vigil outdoors First Baptist Church in Cottondale. 

During exhaustive search efforts, the church served as a makeshift command submit for legislation enforcement, volunteers, and Strand’s household. 

On Thursday, Strand will deal with the general public once more at 11 a.m. from the Wise County Courthouse. 

Varghese did not say what can be introduced however informed WFAA his workplace is devoted to Strand’s household. 

“My role is to ensure that the family has all the care and attention they need right now,” Varghese stated. “We’re not going to leave any stoned unturned.” 

FedEx has publicly expressed condolences to Athena’s household and stated it continues cooperating with authorities relating to Horner’s investigation. 

Sheriff Akin additionally stated that the corporate aided within the investigation that led to Horner’s arrest final week. 

But important questions encompass what the transport firm knew about Horner earlier than he was employed as a contractor. 

Civil Attorney Mike Lyons, a accomplice at Lyons and Simmons, handles private damage and wrongful demise circumstances nationwide. His agency additionally has a observe report of dealing with circumstances involving prison misconduct by contractors employed by firms. 

He’s additionally squared off towards FedEx in court docket earlier than.

“Some questions will come up early in this case. Do they have policies or procedures that prescribe what their hiring practices are? Are they supposed to talk to former employers? Are they supposed to do a criminal background check? If so, what’s the scope of that background check?” Lyons stated. 

“Is there anything here that would shine a light on this person’s criminal misconduct?” 

Horner does not have a prison historical past in Wise or Tarrant Counties. 

Yet, Lyons stated that does not imply there aren’t crimson flags. 

“You don’t generally graduate from being an ordinary civilian who is law-abiding to, one day, abducting a child and murdering them,” Lyons stated. 

“Usually, there are a few steps in between. My guess, there might be something in this person’s past — the question is whether or not reasonable diligence on the part of this company would have discovered it.”