Decatur, TX (WBAP/KLIF) – Hundreds of people gathered for a prayer vigil for Athena Strand last night. The event outside the Wise County Courthouse in Decatur was organized by County Judge J.D. Clark for the 7-year old who was kidnapped and murdered by a FedEx driver who confessed last week.
Clark told the crowd that the community never had to gather for such a tragedy. He tearfully said that he did not know Athena, but “I loved her.” He also said that he has two daughters and the he hoped tha the crowd. “love them too.”
Paradise Assistant Superintendent told WFAA-TV was a “joy and a bright light,” and the community wants to make sure that’s how she is remembered.
The suspect, 31-year old Tanner Horner confessed to the abduction and murder of Athena while working his FedEx delivery job in paradise last Wednesday, December 30.
Another vigil is slated for tonight at the First Baptist Church of Cottonwood in Paradise.
To see more of the vigil from our media partner WFAA-TV click here.
(Copyright 2022 WBAP/KLIF 24/7 News. This report contains material from WFAA-TV.)