Schools and businesses across North Texas are urging people to wear pink Monday in support of the family of the Wise County girl who was killed last week. Athena Strand, 7, was abducted from her home Wednesday; Friday, Sheriff Lane Akin said they had found her body and arrested a suspect.
Tanner Horner, 31, was charged with aggravated kidnapping and capital murder. Akin says Horner was a contract worker for FedEx and had delivered a package to Strand's home.
Akin says Horner confessed to killing Strand. Horner has been arrested and charged with capital murder and aggravated kidnapping.
"This community does not like losing our children," Akin says of the hundreds of volunteers who joined the search. "We can see it because of all the people who came out to help us throughout this ordeal."
FedEx has confirmed Horner was a contract worker for the company.
"Words cannot describe our shock and sorrow at the reports surrounding this tragic event. First and foremost, our thoughts are with the family during this most difficult time, and we continue to cooperate fully with the investigating authorities," the company wrote in a statement.
Monday evening, the Wise County judge plans a vigil on the steps of the county courthouse.
"My heart is so heavy about Athena. I understand that her favorite color is pink, so I call on all of Wise County to wear pink on Monday. Additionally, I encourage everyone to join me at 6:30pm on Monday on the Courthouse Steps to pray for Athena, her family, our first responders, and our community." Judge J.D. Clark wrote on Facebook.
Businesses and school districts across North Texas have been urging students and staff to wear pink Monday using #PinkOut4Athena on Twitter.
Tuesday, First Baptist Church Cottondale plans a vigil at 6 p.m. "to allow the community to come together to celebrate the life of Athena Strand."
In Fort Worth, the restaurant, Cafe Republic, plans a vigil Tuesday evening.
"Our candlelight vigil will be a solemn reminder that there is always light that can be shined in the darkness," the restaurant says.
The vigil was organized with the non-profit, Fort Worth Metro, and Fort Worth Police Department Family Association. The event takes place at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Cafe Republic: 8640 North Beach St. Fort Worth, TX 76244
Related
Related
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Tell your Smart Speaker to "PLAY 1080 KRLD"
Sign Up and Follow NewsRadio 1080 KRLD