NEW YORK (Dagbladet): The mother of the seven-year-old, Maitlyn Gandy, thanks a grand jury that has indicted a man for the murder of her daughter.
The man reportedly admitted to strangling Athena after he accidentally ran over her with his FedEx delivery van at her home on November 30 last year. He is now charged with kidnapping and murder, reports say CNN.
Was going to get a Christmas present – was killed
Grateful
– I want to thank the Wise County Grand Jury for their role in this process. Hearing the facts and circumstances surrounding my seven-year-old daughter’s kidnapping and murder was undoubtedly very difficult for them. I want them to know that their work is deeply appreciated, says Gandy in a statement to the TV channel and continues:
MOTHER: Mother of Athena Strand, Maitlyn Gandy held a press conference in Texas in December. Photo: Amanda McCoy/Star-Telegram via AP
sea view
– The indictment is the beginning of a long road through the legal system. I am grateful for 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 guaranteed a new day.
The delivery driver was arrested on December 2 after he allegedly confessed to the crime and told them where Athena’s body was. He is now in custody, the newspaper writes Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Athena was also found on 2 December after being missing for two days.
The delivery driver was to deliver a package, which contained a Christmas present of barbie dolls for Athena, when she was killed.
Shocking details
Panic
The delivery driver allegedly told investigators that he placed Athena in his van and suffocated her because he panicked and was afraid she would tell someone she had been hit by a FedEX truck.
CHRISTMAS GIFT: The delivery driver accused of murder had reportedly arrived at Athena Strand’s home in Paradise, Texas, to deliver this box of barbie dolls when the murder occurred. Photo: Amanda McCoy/Star-Telegram via AP
sea view
In December, the driver was also charged with three different cases of sexual abuse against children under the age of 17 in June, August and December 2013.
– The incidents happened some time back and are separate from the Strand case. “Other people have come forward to us related to the 2013 charges after he was arrested,” Wise County Sheriff Lane Akin told CNN.
Killed his own mother: – Regrets
Lawsuits
Athena has also sued FedEx and one of the company’s subcontractors where he accuses her of gross negligence. The family is demanding more than one million dollars in damages from the companies and the delivery driver.
– Our thoughts continue to go to the family of Athena Strand in the wake of this tragedy. We are aware of the complaint filed against FedEx Ground, FedEx said in a statement.
During a press conference in December, Gandy said that the bid has robbed her of the opportunity to see her daughter grow up.
– She loved to dance, sing – and she loved all animals, said the mother.
