A Texas mother took the stand Tuesday to describe her final conversation with her 7-year-old daughter Athena Strand, telling jurors the last words her child spoke to her before the girl was allegedly abducted and killed by a FedEx driver delivering packages in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Background
Athena Strand was last seen on December 2, 2022, when she went outside her mobile home in Boyd, Texas, to retrieve a package delivery. Her mother, Tiffany Marie Strand, told investigators she had asked her daughter to bring in a Christmas gift that was being delivered that afternoon. Surveillance footage later showed Paras Bhandari, a FedEx delivery driver, allegedly making a delivery in the area and then leaving with Athena.
The child's body was found five days later in a remote area of Wise County. Investigators said Bhandari allegedly confessed to investigators after being taken into custody, telling them he had accidentally hit Athena with his delivery truck and then panicked, moving her body.
Bhandari was charged with capital murder in connection with Athena's death. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty, arguing the crime involved deliberate action and concealment.
The Charges
Bhandari faces one count of capital murder, a charge that carries the possibility of the death penalty in Texas. Under Texas law, capital murder involves the intentional killing of a child under age 10, which qualifies for the most severe criminal penalties in the state.
Prosecutors told jurors during opening statements that Bhandari, 46, was seen on surveillance footage making multiple package deliveries in the Boyd area on the day Athena disappeared. They allege he saw the young girl outside her home and made a decision that led to her death.
Defense attorneys have argued their client is innocent and that investigators mishandled the case. They contend Bhandari was making legitimate deliveries and has no connection to Athena's disappearance.
Key Takeaways
- Athena Strand, 7, was last seen December 2, 2022, in Boyd, Texas, retrieving a FedEx package
- Paras Bhandari, 46, is charged with capital murder in the girl's death
- Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty
- The mother testified about her final words with her daughter during the trial
- Bhandari allegedly confessed to investigators after his arrest
What's Next
Closing arguments are expected to begin later this week. If convicted of capital murder, Bhandari could face life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty. The jury will determine whether prosecutors have proven their case beyond a reasonable doubt.
The trial is being held in Wise County, Texas, where the capital murder case originated. Jurors began hearing evidence last week and are expected to deliberate on a verdict in the coming days.