Police focus on car in search for missing 7-year-old Athena Strand
WISE COUNTY, Texas (CBSDFW.COM) — The search for missing 7-year-old Athena Strand has continued into its second day.
On Friday evening, police searching for Strand taped off a car on CR 4599 at TX 114 in Boyd, about seven miles from her home, and ordered people nearby to move away.
They have yet to release any updates or say what led them to tape off the car.
The Texas Rangers, DPS, U.S. Marshals and FBI are all assisting with the investigation, using hounds, ATVs, thermal imaging and other technology.
They've also talked to all registered sex offenders who live nearby and have checked security cameras.
A spokesperson for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services confirmed that the agency has no record of an investigation concerning Athena Strand.
However, when asked for comment about past investigations involving the stepmother, the spokesperson said they could not say.
INVESTIGATION WITH A SEARCH
On Friday afternoon, Wise County Sheriff Lane Akin said in a press conference that the search was now transitioning into an "investigation with a search" and that they will no longer ask volunteers for help.
"So we have a lot of concern," he said. "The longer it goes, the more we're concerned, but even so, I'm an optimistic guy. Our chief is an optimistic guy. We're trying to do everything we can to recover this child."
Sheriff's Deputy Craig Johnson added that the volunteers had helped cover such a large area that it now makes more sense for just law enforcement agents to follow up on specific leads rather than have 300 people on standby.
Law enforcement officials are also asking anyone who lives within a 20-mile radius of the Strand family home to thoroughly check their own property – look in the brush, every barn and outdoor structure, every car.
Sheriff Akin did not rule out the possibility of foul play. He also confirmed that other agencies were helping, including the FBI.
WHAT WE KNOW
Strand has been missing since about 6 p.m. Wednesday evening.
She was last seen at her father's home on County Road 3573 in Paradise, Texas, wearing a gray long sleeve shirt with white flowers, blue jeans with white flowers on the pockets, and brown boots.
The Wise County Sheriff's Office said they received a call from her stepmother reporting her missing after the two had an argument while her father was not home. Police said she spent "about an hour" looking for her before contacting the sheriff's office.
Officials believe she walked out on her own, but neighbors say that doesn't seem right.
"The only time she left was to go to her grandmother's house next door—and that's family," neighbor Melina Owens said. "She's not OK with being in the dark. She doesn't like the cold."
Neighbors were also doing as much as they could while there was still daylight Thursday.
"There's some abandoned barns and sheds...we went through there," said Chasity Allerkamp, who volunteered to help search. "We searched the woods behind the dad's property...we couldn't find anything out there."
One of the big concerns for officials is the cold weather, with temperatures expected to drop down into the 40s this weekend.
During their search Thursday, Sheriff Akin said law enforcement is looking at everything from a criminal or "just a missing child" standpoint. They have used resources like search dogs, choppers, and other technology to find Strand.
Additionally, an Amber Alert for Strand was issued Thursday afternoon.
On Thursday night, her mother Maitlyn Gandy took to social media to thank those who've helped try to find her daughter.
She wrote in part:
"Athena is still missing and we are now over the 24 hour point. Thank you to my wonderful family and the large support from the Wise County community. We are continuing our search. I ask that everyone pray.. pray some more, continue to pray, and never stop praying. I cannot live without my baby and I need her brought home safely to me. Athena didn't walk away or disappear on her own. I will not give up or stop until I have Athena back. I feel like there is a hole in my heart and half of my soul is missing. An amber alert was issued earlier today. Please do not give up on my baby."
At last check with the Sheriff's Office, there are still no leads, and anyone with information on Strand's whereabouts is asked to call the sheriff's office at 940-627-5971 or to report it to the FBI.
