ATHENA Strand's mother has spoken out about the "difficult" facts surrounding the "murder of her seven-year-old."
Tanner Horner was arrested in December after allegedly telling authorities that he strangled Athena after accidentally hitting her with his delivery vehicle.
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The incident on November 30, 2022, occurred outside her home where she lived with her father in Texas on November 30, 2022.
Athena's body was found on December, 2, seven miles from her home on a country road.
According to police, Horner was dropping off Barbie dolls which were supposed to be Athena's Christmas presents.
Athena's mother, Maitlyn Gandy, 26, has now thanked the grand jury for its role in the indictment of the 31-year-old.
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Records from Wise County state that the delivery driver was indicted on charges of capital murder and aggravated kidnapping.
Ms. Gandy said on Thursday: "I would like to thank the Wise County grand jury for their role in this process.
"Hearing the facts and circumstances of my 7-year-old daughter’s kidnapping and murder was undoubtedly very difficult for them.
"I want them to know that their work is deeply appreciated."
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She added: “Tanner Horner’s indictment is the beginning of a long road through the justice system.
"I appreciate everyone’s continued support and for keeping Athena’s name and memory alive.
"Please take a moment to hug your children and loved ones.
"No one is promised another day.”
It was claimed by two arrest warrants which were obtained by KTVT, that Horner told investigators he strangled Athena in his van because he was scared she would tell people she was hit by a FedEx truck.
He told investigators that the seven-year-old had not been badly hurt by his vehicle as she spoke to him and told him her name.
It was when she said that she would tell her father of the accident, that Horner tried to break her neck before strangling her.
Athena's mother has said that she would tell her daughter's alleged killer that "he is nothing, but Athena is absolutely everything."
Gandy wants her daughter's alleged killer to face the full force of the law with the maximum sentence he can get.
"I support the death penalty. Every breath he takes is one my daughter doesn't," she said.
Reflecting on Athena's personality, Maitlyn described her as a delightful and lovable child who is sorely missed by her siblings.
"I don't know one person in this world that's just never not loved Athena," she said.
She continued: "Athena would run up to anybody, scream out their name, and give them hugs and say hello, because she didn't know a stranger.
"Raising her was the best seven years of my life."
Athena's mother added that it has been "rough" for her daughter and three-year-old.
She does not understand "why she can't call sissy or why sissy hasn't come home yet."
Athena was placed in a pink coffin and was cremated on December 10 in a private service.
Gandy explained how she wants her daughter's ashes at home "because I'm not anywhere close to letting my baby go."
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Horner is being held at Wise County jail on a $1.5million bond.
He also faces four unrelated charges of sexual assault of a child from 2013.
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