Act Daily News
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The household of Athena Strand, the 7-year-old Texas lady allegedly kidnapped and killed by a supply driver, is suing FedEx and certainly one of its subcontractors, based on a lawsuit filed Tuesday.
The man suspected of killing Athena – Tanner Lynn Horner – delivered packages for FedEx Ground however was employed by way of a subcontractor, Big Topspin, Inc., based on the lawsuit.
Horner was arrested earlier this month on capital homicide and aggravated kidnapping expenses after authorities say he by accident hit Athena together with his car whereas making a supply to her house on November 30. Horner allegedly informed investigators he put the lady in his van and killed her as a result of he was scared she would inform somebody she was hit by a FedEx truck, based on two arrest warrants obtained by Act Daily News affiliate KTVT.
The lawsuit was filed by Athena’s father, Jacob Strand, and accuses FedEx and Big Topspin of gross negligence. The go well with additionally accuses Horner of assault. Strand is in search of greater than $1 million in damages from the businesses and Horner, based on the go well with.
“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,” the lawsuit says.
FedEx and Big Topspin are accused of negligently hiring Horner, failing to correctly supervise him, and failing to implement enough security insurance policies, the lawsuit says.
In response to the lawsuit, FedEx stated in a press release Wednesday, “Our thoughts remain with the family of Athena Strand in the wake of this tragedy. We are aware of the complaint filed against FedEx Ground.”
Act Daily News has tried to succeed in Big Topspin, Inc.
Strand’s mom, Maitlyn Gandy, stated Horner had simply delivered her daughter’s Christmas current – a field of Barbie dolls – earlier than Strand disappeared from the driveway.
Horner is being held in Wise County jail on $1.5 million bond, based on inmate information.