Athena Strand: Wise County sheriff to pursue death penalty for Tanner Horner

WISE COUNTY, Texas - Wise County Sheriff Lane Akin told Fox News Digital that his office is seeking the death penalty for Tanner Lynn Horner, the contract driver for FedEx accused of kidnapping and murdering Athena Strand, a 7-year-old Texas girl. 

Akin, speaking by phone Thursday, said, "We are pursuing the death penalty" because "of the serious nature of the case... and because the child is 7." 

"There may be some hurdles we may or may not be able to cross – I'll leave that to the district attorney," Akin added. 

Athena Strand was found dead in Boyd, Texas, on Friday, outside the Dallas-Fort Worth area after being missing for several days. Tanner Lynn Horner, 30, is charged with capital murder and aggravated kidnapping in connection to Strand’s death. 

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The attorney representing Strand’s mother, Maitlyn Gandy, said during a press conference earlier this afternoon that he is "not at all surprised" Akin is seeking that kind of punishment for Horner. 

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"That is what this community demands. When you have the loss of a young child, of innocence, this community is not going to accept anything less than that," Benson Varghese said. "I wholeheartedly agree with the decision that is being made and I’m sure the district attorney was involved with that. It’s a huge commitment to say that you are seeking the death penalty. 

"It’s not a small undertaking," Varghese added. "So they are doing what this community wants and it is undoubtedly appreciated by everyone in this community and certainly Maitlyn and the family." 

This article first appeared on FOXNews.com. Read more here Athena Strand murder: Texas sheriff pursuing death penalty for suspect Tanner Lynn Horner

Fox News’ Danielle Wallace contributed to this report.