The Wise County sheriff has told FOX News he plans to seek the death penalty for the murder of 7-year-old Athena Strand.
FULL NEWS CONFERENCE: Athena Strand's mother calls for investigation into hiring practices by FedEx
Maityln Gandy, the mother of Athena Strand, called for a private investigation into the process that allowed Tanner Horner to be hired. "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."
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