On Tuesday night, Maitlyn Gandy, the mother of Athena Strand spoke at the candlelight memorial for her murdered child. Thousands attended the gathering to say goodbye and celebrate Athena Strand. And they sat on the ground at the event.

The event took place outside of Cottondale Baptist Church in Paradise, Texas. This was the same church that organized the 2-day search for Athena. The 7-year-old was abducted and killed by a contract Federal Express driver who delivered a package to her home. 

Athena's favorite color was pink. And many of the crowd of thousands wore pink or brought pink flowers. The grief was palatable in rural Wise County.

Wise County Judge J.D. Clark also held a vigil outside the county courthouse. He asked for prayers to light the darkness surrounding the child’s death.

Pink balloons were tied onto traffic signs and power lines along state highways into the town’s streets. Her name was painted in pink on a fence.

Mom speaks out at candlelight memorial 

Athena’s mom who lives in Oklahoma, came to Texas when her daughter disappeared. The parents are divorced, and Athena was visiting her dad and stepmom when she was kidnapped. 

Visibly shaken she read a statement to the crowd.

“Y’all are amazing people, and I don’t know how to thank you guys for all you have done for my family, and especially for my baby. I just want you all to know that she was amazing, and she would truthfully love every single one of you because she loves every single human that she has ever met. And every animal she has ever met.”

“I just wanted to say thank you to all the volunteers for coming out and supporting her. Even if you guys did not look for her... I know people were sharing her story all over social media.”

“I just want to keep her face and her story alive, because I want everyone to know Athena for Athena, not for what someone tried to make her out to be. Because she's the best little girl. She really was.”

“Y'all are making me cry saying, ‘Athena Strong’. I needed to be strong for her because I figured I won't be strong by the end of this. I hope she waits for me baby.  Thank you all and please I don't care if it is 5 years from now, 10 years from now, 20 years from now: remember Athena Strand. Thank you, guys,” Gandy said.

After she spoke the crowd stood and sang “Amazing Grace.”

The suspect, Tanner Lynn Horner, 31, is being held in the Wise County Jail. 

Sheriff Lane Akin of Wise County said Horner confessed to the crime and led them to the girl’s body. He is charged with capital murder and aggravated kidnapping.

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