Athena Strand. Took 18 hours to get an amber alert out. Dad went 'camping' or 'hunting' according to fb. Step mom waited an hour to report her missing. They are now letting volunteers search. Something seems off.

JUST IN: these are new pics given to me by Athena Strand’s biological mother.

The 7-year-old is a 1st grader.

Sheriff says hundreds of volunteers have been assisting in search that covered 5 square miles near the home of Strand’s father who lives in rural Paradise, TX. pic.twitter.com/jATfIynM2a

— Matt Howerton (@HowertonNews) December 2, 2022

This was last place Strand was seen.

Wise County Sheriff Lane Akin told his office was called by Strand’s stepmother who reported the little girl missing yesterday evening.

Stepmom says she couldn’t find Strand following an argument with her and then making dinner. pic.twitter.com/dVWcEpfSmV

— Matt Howerton (@HowertonNews) December 2, 2022

Most volunteers who helped with search are heading home for the night.

The sheriff says a command post will remain in area and hasn’t ruled out using thermal imaging from the air tonight.

It was used last night and search dogs are also here.

The @FBI is here too. pic.twitter.com/NMS0RJZ22r

— Matt Howerton (@HowertonNews) December 2, 2022

4:15pm making dinner. I don't believe the step-mom. Track her cell phone and look in nearby bodies of water. Something definitely off about this situation.

Nothing is off at all. It's quite clear what happened…

That amber alert happened twice today between 2pm and 2:30pm on Fox.

I mean, depends on what she was making, but its another indicator something doesn't fit right.

Like having an argument with a 7yo that involves them wandering off?

Prayers for her safe return. And for her family while they search and deal with the angst and emotions.

Yesterday the step mom said she took a shower and when she got out the daughter was gone.

Now today it's they had an argument while she was cooking.

Sigh.

How do you have a legit argument with a 1st grader? Not adding up.

ATX_AG_08 said:

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How do you have a legit argument with a 1st grader? Not adding up.

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Kid doesn't want to do homework. Kid doesn't want to eat what's being made for dinner. Kid is doing gymnastics on the couch for the millionth time. Those are just some of the things that can get me and my Kindergartner & 2nd grader going. The argument doesn't give me pause, but running away after and the story changing does.

jopatura said:

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ATX_AG_08 said:

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How do you have a legit argument with a 1st grader? Not adding up.

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Kid doesn't want to do homework. Kid doesn't want to eat what's being made for dinner. Kid is doing gymnastics on the couch for the millionth time. Those are just some of the things that can get me and my Kindergartner & 2nd grader going. The argument doesn't give me pause, but running away after and the story changing does.

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Couldn't have said this better myself.

Truth will come out soon

Our kids often eat at 5pm, so cooking dinner at that time is not unusual. The rest of the story is.

fka ftc said:

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I mean, depends on what she was making, but its another indicator something doesn't fit right.

Like having an argument with a 7yo that involves them wandering off?

Prayers for her safe return. And for her family while they search and deal with the angst and emotions.

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I'm not understanding the disconnect.

Child gets upset with what step-mom said or told her to do/not to do. After step-mom turns her back, child walks outside. Its starting to get dark and at first, is cool but not too cold. Wednesday around 4:45, it was pretty cool, but it could still have been about 50 and for the first 15 minutes or so, not too cold depending on what she's wearing.

So child, determined to "show" step-mom, wanders off, it gets dark, she gets lost and starts getting REAL cold, especially as the temps drop to below 40. I can't speculate beyond that because there are hundreds of variables, but this is indeed plausible. And likely. Much more likely, I'd argue, than an abduction. I can't explain why she hasn't been found yet, however.

That's not to say there can't be anything to a step-mom is lying angle. But I wouldn't jump to that conclusion until the child isn't found in the next day or so.

I'd bet step-mom has something to do with it. Gotta get the ex's kid out of the way. Dad may be in on it as well to keep the new wife happy.

Wouldn't be the first time it's happened that way. I just don't get harming a kid. Give them to someone…

As the father of a 4th grader, 2nd grader and pre-ker, yes you have an argument with a 1st grader (more of a fuss in' at em) and yes those kids would eat dinner at 4 if you had the food ready.

That said step mom is suspect #1.

On this episode of Southern Fried True Crime…

But why hasn't anyone heard from the dad? Far as I can tell he's MIA

Reminds me of a "fight" I had with my kid when he was about that age. He said I was mean and that he wanted to leave. I told him that made me really sad and that I would miss him. I gave him a hug, but he was determined to get a new family.

So he left anyways. He stood outside by the back door for about 10 minutes and then came back inside.

7 years olds don't run away from home. They might get lost, but they don't run away. Step mom is FOS.

Yikes. Not looking good.

Prayers they find her unharmed.

This isn't good. Wonder if she was enrolled in school?

I hope that sweet baby is ok. #AthenaStrand pic.twitter.com/g17jxIbkdy

— Ashley (@ash8198) December 2, 2022

People that raise kids in that environment should be shot.

I wonder how law enforcement feels about search volunteers publishing photos from what may end up being a crime scene.

I thought one of the original releases said her last sighting (other than by step mom) was getting off the bus.

Tom Doniphon said:

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People that raise kids in that environment should be shot.

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They only keep them for the money from the government.

1st day of school picture looks to be taken outside a much nicer house.

just saw a bit of the press conference, no new update really, asking for the publics help in searching their properties.

Big police presence west of Boyd.

HAPPENING NOW: we’re off CR4599 between Boyd and Cottondale in Wise County where there is a heavy police presence.

This is not far from #AthenaStrand’s home.

Under 10 miles at least. Will provide more info when we get an update. pic.twitter.com/Cr0g9Mhbd4

— Matt Howerton (@HowertonNews) December 2, 2022

Locals are saying a FedEx driver hit her making a delivery and confessed leading them to her body.

— Steve (@duke___silver09) December 2, 2022

Omg

Holy ****… how did she get 10 miles away?

Quote:

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Locals are saying a FedEx driver hit her making a delivery and confessed leading them to her body.

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What. The. Hell.