FedEx's current policies, according to the lawsuit, are "woefully inadequate to prevent endangering public safety."

Athena Strand's father, a 7-year old Texas girl, was allegedly kidnapped by FedEx drivers who brought a gift to her house. He is now suing the company and one of their subcontractors for the murder.

CNN reports that Jacob Strand accuses FedEx and Big Topspin of negligently hiring Tanner Lynn Horner. They also claim that they failed to supervise Horner properly or implement safety policies. Horner is also being sued for assault and seeking $1 million in damages as well as a trial by a jury.

The lawsuit states that FedEx "continued their normal business operations, although it is evident that their current efforts to ensure they aren't putting dangerous persons into a position of trust driving FedEx branded cars, and sending them on the doorsteps to nearly every American home is woefully inadequate in order to avoid endangering public safety."

FedEx responded to the lawsuit saying that they knew about the FedEx Ground complaint and adding, "Our thoughts remain with Athena Strand's family in the wake this tragedy." We are aware that FedEx Ground has been accused of a felony.

Athena disappeared November 30th. A massive search was launched to locate her. Although her body was found on Friday evening, authorities believe that she was abducted within one hour. Horner, 31 years old, was charged with capital murder as well as aggravated kidnapping.

The child's mother stated that the man accused of her murder "drove onto Athena’s father's property to deliver what was supposed be a Christmas gift for our daughter" on the day she was kidnapped. The present: A box of Barbies "You Can Be Anything".

Law&Crime obtained an arrest affidavit that revealed details about the circumstances leading to the murder of the child. Warning: These are some disturbing details.

According to the documents, authorities discovered that a FedEx delivery had been made at the same time As Athena disappeared. The FBI was able view video from the van that delivered Athena's father's house after tracking down Big Topspin, the FedEx contractor in the area. According to the video, it contained footage of a young girl in the vehicle talking with Horner.

Horner, allegedly, confessed to taking Athena. He told investigators that he "accidentally hit Athena with his FedEx truck while backing up" and was not seriously hurt. According to Horner, he claimed he panicked and placed Athena in the van. He also said that she had told him her name. Horner claimed Horner tried to break her neck and then strangled her in the van with his naked hands. Horner claims that Horner did this because she was about to tell her father what happened to her when he drove the FedEx truck. Horner is believed to then have directed authorities to her body.

-----------------------------------

Title: Athena Strand's Family Sues FedEx After Driver Allegedly Kidnapped and Murdered 7-Year-Old Girl
Sourced From: toofab.com/2022/12/15/athena-strand-family-sues-fedex/
Published Date: Thu, 15 Dec 2022 18:33:45 +0000

Read More