After one of FedEx’s contract drivers was detained for Athena’s murder, Athena Strand Dad Sues FedEx, a 7-year-old Texas girl who was found murdered earlier this month, filed a lawsuit against the shipping giant.
Jacob Strand alleged in a civil complaint that FedEx and its contracting business, Big Topspin, were negligent in hiring Tanner Horner, 31, and failing to provide him with adequate supervision. The complaint was filed in the 271st Judicial District in Wise County.
As previously reported by CrimeOnline, Athena vanished on December 2 and her stepmother was unable to locate her at their Paradise, Texas, home. This led to the activation of an AMBER Alert.
Authorities claim that Horner abducted and killed Athena within one hour after delivering a package to her house. Athena’s body was discovered around 10 miles from her house after Horner allegedly admitted to the crime when questioned by investigators.
Athena was supposed to unwrap the “You Can Be Anything” Barbie set on Christmas Day, according to Benson Varghese, an attorney for Athena’s mother.
Athena was playing in the front year when Horner apparently accidentally struck her with the delivery truck. She was alright, but when she stated she would tell her father, he froze.
An arrest affidavit submitted in the case and published by the Wise County Messenger quotes the suspect as saying that he later kidnapped her and strangled her to death.
Athena Strand Civil Suit Ag… by Leigh Egan
The lawsuit adds that FedEx drivers have recently engaged in “numerous assaults, rapes, and murders of persons across the country.” and that “FedEx Ground retains significant control over the specific manner in which Big Topspin and its employees and contractors deliver FedEx Ground packages and maintains significant control over Big Topspin and its employees.”
“FedEx has continued their normal business operations although it is clear that their current efforts, if any, to ensure that they are not putting dangerous persons in a position of trust wearing FedEx uniforms, driving FedEx branded vehicles, and sending them to the doorsteps of the homes of nearly every person in America is woefully inadequate to avoid endangering the public.”
A jury trial and more than $1 million in damages are sought in the claim.
Horner is still being held without bond. Prosecutors declared earlier this month that they intend to ask for the death penalty.
Check back for updates.
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Post Source: Crime Online
