At a press conference, Wise County Sheriff Lane Akin stated that the body of Athena Strand was found late on Friday.
Akin stated on Friday, "It hurts our hearts to know that child died."
Because it involves a child, it is one of the most challenging investigations I have been involved in.And when a child passes away, it just breaks your heart," he added.
On Wednesday, Athena was reported missing, and Wise County, northwest of Fort Worth, was the focus of a search for her.The kidnapping of the young girl from her family's driveway, which is about 200 yards from her home, is thought to have ended in her death within an hour, according to the authorities.
According to the Wise County Jail's website, Tanner Lynn Horner, 31, is being held there on charges of capital murder and aggravated kidnapping.Akin said the bond was set at $1.5 million.Friday, it was not clear if Horner had an attorney.
Authorities have identified Horner as a FedEx contract driver who was allegedly making a delivery to Athena's residence at the time of her disappearance.
Police say they received a tip earlier on Friday that led them to the conclusion that Horner took the child from her driveway.
Akin claims that authorities did not specify a possible motive and stated that Horner did not know the family or the child.
According to Akin, Athena's cause of death is still under investigation, and her body was sent to the medical examiner's office on Friday.
FedEx conveyed its sympathies in a statement to and referred further inquiries to authorities.
Our shock and sadness at the news coverage of this tragic event are beyond words.The statement continues, "We continue to fully cooperate with the investigating authorities, and our thoughts are with the family during this most difficult time."
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