Mum sends heatbreaking message to 'cruel monster' accused of kidnapping and killing her daughter

The man accused of killing Athena Strand has been sent a chilling message by her mum.

31-year-old FedEx delivery driver Tanner Lynn Horner remains in jail after being accused of kidnapping and killing the young girl.

On Wednesday, stepmother Maitlyn Gandy told authorities that her daughter was missing from the family home, near Paradise on the north-western outskirts of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area.

Wise County Sheriff Lane Akin claims Horner confessed and told authorities where to find Athena Strand’s body.

Her body was found near the town of Boyd, about six miles south-east of Paradise, a town of about 475 people.

Texas Dept. of Public Safety

Akin said a tip led authorities to Horner, who was a stranger to the girl’s family.

“We really can’t get into the content of the confession, but I will say we have a confession,” Akin added.

The grieving mother has since posted a gut wrenching tribute to her daughter.

"I want the world to know my baby, my first baby, my first true love, the reason I breathe. I love my daughter beyond words and I will always love her," she wrote.

"I cannot describe the pain and absolute anger I feel. Missing her doesn’t cover how I feel. My daughters name is Athena Presley Monroe Strand, which she would happily announce to anyone listening, and anyone not listening she would make listen.

"My princess was taken from me from a sick, cruel monster for absolutely no reason.

"Athena is innocent, beautiful, kind, intelligent, and just the brightest, happiest soul you could ever meet. I don’t want her to be the girl known as the one murdered and discarded by a monster. I want everyone to know, every single person in this world, that this is my baby and my baby was taken from me."

Texas Dept. of Public Safety

"I want everyone to know her face and her voice and just how wonderful of a person she is," the mom says.

In another post, Gandy revealed that her daughter's 'favorite color is pink. She loves to dress up as the princess we all know she is'.

"When she grows up, she wants to be a Viking princess," she added.

"Athena is loved by mommy and daddy, and all of her sisters, many many aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents."

FedEx said via a statement: “Our thoughts are with the family of Athena Strand during this most difficult time.

“Words cannot describe our shock and sorrow surrounding this tragic event.”