I’ve been following the case of Athena Strand, a 7-year-old girl who was abducted and killed in 2022 in the U.S.
The man responsible had just delivered a package to her home. In the audio recordings, you can hear how innocent she was—asking if he was a kidnapper, where he was taking her, and even saying she had school the next day and didn’t want to miss it.
I had to stop listening because it was deeply disturbing. Children are so trusting. They look at the world expecting kindness, and they rely on adults for safety and care. It’s painful to think about the moment she may have realized she wasn’t safe.
What makes it even more unsettling is that the driver knew there were cameras in his vehicle. He tried to cover them, but the audio continued recording.
I will always believe that children deserve better. They should never have to face a world that can be so cruel and dangerous. It’s hard to understand how anyone could harm a child.
It later came out that two women said they had been assaulted by the same man in the past but didn’t report it. What happened is not their fault. Still, if it’s possible and safe to do so, speaking up can help prevent harm and hold people accountable. Silence can sometimes allow abusers to continue unchecked.
My heart goes out to her, and to everyone who loved her.
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