As Wise County residents continue to mourn the death of 7-year-old Athena Strand, a prayer vigil was held at the county courthouse Monday night.
"Athena was a free spirit," Paradise ISD Assistant Superintendent Robyn Gibson said."She was a happy girl. She was very verbal, kind, loving." Athena's classmates are now left hurting. The prayer vigil was hosted by County Judge J.D. Clark.
Authorities say 31-year-old Tanner Horner has confessed to killing Athena and he is now charged with capital murder and aggravated kidnapping. "She was a bright spot in our school and will be deeply missed," Gibson said."It's a huge healing process for all of us." Grief-stricken community 'looking after each other,' following Athena Strand's death
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Athena Strand: Wise County community comes together to mourn 7-year-old girlThe First Baptist Church of Cottondale was a gathering place for volunteers and Athena's family while the search for her was going on. Pastor Charles Pugh comforted them as the hours turned into days.
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Pink Christmas tree lit up outside Wise County Courthouse in honor of Athena StrandLike many 7-year-olds, Athena Presley Monroe Strand adored the color pink and Christmas. In honor of her love for both, Wise County officials lit up a Christmas tree covered in rose colored lights.
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Local Church Holds First Sunday Service After Death of Athena StrandFirst Baptist Church of Cottondale held its first Sunday service after the death of local 7-year-old Athena Strand.
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Athena Strand: Community shaken by 7-year-old's killingPastor Charles Pugh of First Baptist Cottondale was brought to tears early Saturday morning when he showed up to his church to see a tiara dropped off by a stranger for killed 7-year-old Athena Strand.
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Memorial service for 7-year-old Athena Strand to be held TuesdayFirst Baptist Church Cottondale will hold a candlelight memorial service to remember the young girl's life.
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What we know about Tanner Horner, the delivery driver who confessed to killing Athena Strand31-year-old Tanner Lynn Horner is facing aggravated kidnapping and capital murder charges in connection to the death of 7-year-old Athena Strand.
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