Full interview: Athena Strand's mom shares what she'd tell her 7-year-old daughter's accused killer
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- Опубликовано: 15 дек 2022
- In her first TV interview, Maitlyn Gandy reacts to the confession of her daughter's accused killer and opens up about what broke her while laying Athena to rest.
Maitlyn is the epitome of grace and love. She is a strong mom and her love for her children shines so bright!
I agree 100% 💗
Yes love her name beautiful daughter name also
My heart breaks for you mum. For Athena’s little sister. Athena’s dad and stepmom.
This should never ever have happened. I’m so sorry that it did. There are no words.
Sending love and strength from Australia. ❤❤❤
The fact she did her daughter’s hair & dressed her for the funeral & ultimately, her burial speaks volumes about how much she truly loved her daughter….
And so young too! She is a beautiful example for anyone ❤
I hope Mom knows how strong, brave, and inspiring she is! Her baby girl is watching over and saying, 'Yep, that's my mommy!' Rest peacefully beautiful Athena...❤
This is the most beautiful comment. I believe that is exactly what Athena is saying. 💗🎀
Absolutely
💕💕💕💕💕💕
VERY well said!!!
My 8-year daughter loves the muddy puddles too. I can't imagine. I really can't. We lost our 12 year old daughter to cancer about 10 years ago. It left a giant hole in our hearts. We think of her often. But, we got to say goodbye and it wasn't sudden. I can't imagine someone murdering my child. Especially so senselessly. We are praying for you.
I’m so sorry
I'm sorry as well
The guy was a monster who will be hopefully eliminated from the earth.
Sending you a mom hug
I’m so sorry for your loss
Sweetheart, don’t ever be sorry for crying for your precious daughter. You deserve to feel all of the emotions that you feel and more. My prayers will continue to be with you and Athena’s entire family.
I agree…. Everytime she’d start to get emotional, I kept thinking “no reason to apologize”!!!! Her strength is mindblowing….
She's numb and all cried out, but I did see some tears. She's grieving in her own way just like everyone who grieves differently, but I can tell that she's suffering and struggling with what's happened! She clearly loves Athena like we all do, even though we've never met her before! Strong woman!
She’s not all cried out, there were multiple times it was obvious it took all the strength she had in her to not breakdown & begin sobbing!!
You have to stay num for your younger kids but inside you feel like zombie you are dead inside but had to go on living for the people that needs you here I lost my son and people will see me something fine a lil happy but even feeling happy you feel guilty for feeling this lil but of happiness because you miss you son you daughter isn’t the most painful thing you can’t never recover or forget it’s shock first then acceptence then realizing you are never going to see then again the anger it’s on stagers but the pain is there
From the bottom of my heart, I am so deeply sorry for the loss of beautiful Athena. 💖😭
Facts
This mama's entire demeanor broke my heart in a million pieces. I'm so sorry. My heart hurts for her.
It’s like she’s still in shock and I can feel the rage inside of her 😭 I can’t imagine. Praying hard for her and her family ❤
This woman is incredible. She is the face of so much suffering, yet, she is willing to face questions during the worst possible time in her life thus far. She is a brave woman and I wish her easier days ahead. A parent's grief is horrible and those who go through it, say it is hard to describe. I believe it. We should do everything we can to bring comfort to parents who are suffering a loss like the loss of a beautiful child.
My heart goes out to this mom and her family 😔🙏💔
I'm so sorry for her and her family. This bring years to my eyes every time there is a senseless death. May peace reside with the family.
May be,you,should,getgrif,council ing
Death Penalty!!! 100%. You hurt a child, death penalty. Welcome to Texas.
Amen Christopher 🙏 Exactly
Absolutely 💯 death penalty is deserved
He is guilty
No doubt
too bad it'll take 20 years
@@lifesajoke6965 makes it better, 20 years of torment of will today be the day
@@YouAreGoingToLoseMe87 It’s not like they have no idea when for the entire 20 years…. More like how much beyond the set date will it take?? I appreciate that he will live “on death row” up until his time finally comes!!! And I’m glad this is in TX, as I think it’s fair to say, especially nowadays, it’s the most likely state in the country for him to be sentenced to death!!! And being his victim is a child makes it even more likely…. Not to mention, it’s the sentence her parents want!!!!
Athena will always be alive in our hearts. Her mom is beautiful, and I’m so heart broken for her loss.
Her mother did her hair and got her ready for her funeral... breaks my heart, but if that's not a mother's true love, I don't know what is.
When she said that, I imagined myself doing that for my daughter and my soul shattered... she really is a strong mama. It's such a beautiful act in such a horrible situation. 💔
Oh my goodness 😳 I could never do that 💔 What a strong woman
That made me break down crying!!!! I cannot begin to imagine the strength it took to do that for her daughter… but, you put it so well, “if that’s not a mother’s true love, I don’t know is”. This woman’s strength, overall, is admirable!!!!
True love isn't material
@@methatlovescats3602 you're correct, I should rephrase to, "if that's not true love, I dont know what is." Not every mother is capable of love, unfortunately
This is such a scary world* to raise our babies in. My heart goes out to this mom. RIP baby girl
Bad people sick world too many mental n perps
I recently lost my daughter. In July. I understand this mama's pain and I wish I didn't. It is the worst pain I have ever felt. I can't compare another hurt to this hurt. I pray for her.
🙏🏾🙏🏾❤❤❤
🙏🕊
Hugs and prayers I'm so sorry for your loss 💔🙏💖
🙏🏼♥️🕊
Madree• I'm sorry for the loss of your daughter as well💔
I don’t know how this beautiful mother was able to do this interview, it was incredibly hard to watch. I’m at a loss for words. But, I can promise her mother, Athena will never be forgotten. That beautiful, precious face will always be in our hearts. Our prayers, support and love will always be with Athena’s family. 🙏🏻💗
I appreciate how professional & kind the interviewer is with Athena's mother. I can't imagine what she is going through 😢😪
You got upset at my last comment lol.
She shouldn't apologize for breaking down when she speaks of her daughter, it's extremely recent and its absolutely understandable for her to cry, I would be mentally crazy if I went through what she has gone through 😭😭😭
Me too,
Specially being the morher of my only son, i would feel the same, I would be mentally crazy..😭
I dont think I would be that strong in a situation like this!!!...💔
Seriously why make this poor heartbroken mother describe her feelings & experiences, HEARTBREAKING, all my love being sent her way 😢💔💔💔 Fly high Athena you absolute beautiful Angel 👼🏼
This is every parents worst fear. Her strength is admirable. She doesn’t deserve to ever experience this kind of pain, no-one does. 😢
I can’t imagine losing any of my children to something like this. I will probably be put into a mental hospital due to losing my child. My heart goes out to this mom and her family!
Same. I lost my father suddenly in 2020 and it was the worst pain and deep sadness and yearning i’ve ever experienced, the year following I nearly had to go to a mental hospital because my mental health deteriorated so severely. I can’t even imagine what I would do losing any of my kids. I feel so heartbroken for this mom, this shouldn’t have ever happened.
@@Angelia359 I’m so sorry for your lost! Hope you have better days! This story is beyond sad!
I had to bury a child in 2007 and the pain never stops.. time does not heal all wounds. What she is feeling is her heart being ripped from her chest. What she is feeling is guilt for allowing her kid to go to her dads house.. but she can’t understand this is not her fault. She has to go through the stages of grief to come out on the other side being able to carry on with her life. Holidays, birthdays, and they day she died will always bring it to the day it happen. It will feel like it just happened yesterday even if it’s been 20 years. Word of advice …. There’s nothing you can say to a mother to make it better and please never tell us that our dead child is in a better place because they are not!
Thank you 👏🏼 for saying exactly what I have been feeling. I lost my 18 yr old son on 6/28/21. My heart has been obliterated. I wouldn’t wish this debilitating pain on anyone. Like you said, time does NOT heal this kind of wound. I will never be the same. The pain takes your breath away…and it will come on strong with certain triggers. I had a few family members tell me that my son was in a better place and that hurt so much and angered me because he is NOT. A better place would be ALIVE and with me, his Dad, and his brother. He didn’t get to live his life. He never even got a chance to drive a car. There was so much to do and see and he was robbed of that. I feel pain for him, all while grieving for myself, my husband (who found him), and his younger brother that is all alone now. The pain is constant. I am so incredibly sorry that you lost a child as well. Sending you strength and my deepest condolences 🙏🏻 😢.
@@codreaming9304 I am sorry for your loss. Allow yourself to feel it and to cry because you have to let it out. I can't tell you when the anger stops because I'm still angry . It is not fair that we had to bury our children and as angry as we are we would never wish this on anyone.
I pray that your pain comes in small waves and you find the strength to get through it.
No one who hasn’t lost a child can truly ever understand how it feels.
It’s been only two weeks, her strength is remarkable! As a mother myself to a young child, I send love and courage to you! 🤍🙏🏾 R.I.H Athena 🎀
Even the interviewer was crying. You can just hear it in his voice but also see it when the angle of the camera was at different positions and not on him. She is more composed than him and that just goes to show how incredibly strong this woman is.
I think she is in shock.
I agree, I think she is still in shock.
@@DecorTours so incredibly heartbreaking
I noticed him wiping away tears…. Understandably!! The strength she has shown is incredible!!!
I am so very sorry that you lost your daughter. Stay strong and I am sending prayers your way. Justice for Athena!!!
She dressed her and did her hair? She is the strongest women ever! ❤❤❤
I did it for my Grammy, but I’m an older woman and my Grammy was 98.5. I felt honored to beautify her and be with her. This is completely unnatural and I pray the monster who did this gets the death penalty. 🙏🏼♥️🕊🌸
Yeah you don't want to let them go.
My heart is so heavy for this Mom and Athena’s siblings!! I hope she knows that folks really care about them. I really care!!! Sending love her way
I apologize for all these demons leaving inhumane comments in this section. So sorry for this women’s loss. She was so beautiful. May she rest in paradise 🙏🏽👼…
The only demon here is you, and you will find out when you get to the other side one day that you are a demon just like the rest of this world, everyone is born of evil, and only Jesus is pure.
Why are you apologizing? Are the ' demons ' your friends, did they follow you here? What exactly is your connection to the demons? If they are your demons please remove them immediately. Unbelievable! Yeah, yeah, yeah,....whatever Erckle....just go,,,,ty!
I reported 26 people already!
Hey Eggy, you should also apologize for the demons making unhumane comments about the killer being a child molester, there is no proof whatsoever that he is one, but idiots all over here are saying he is.
@@MissPepperss Be warned! I have the CEO of RUclips, Susan Wojcicki, email!
I know that feeling. When I lost my daughter, her sister did not understand why her sister could not come home. She would ask why I will not let her come home. To young to understand. This poor mom is only 2 weeks In. She has a long painful road infront from her. People will never understand how hard this interview had to be for her.
I'm so sorry for your loss 😢 🙏
sorry for your loss.
@Leah M thank you
@@beckygail9454 thank you
I'm sorry for your loss too
This woman is remarkable. What a true mom!
As a mother I could never imagine having to go through such a loss. My heart breaks for Athena's family! You can tell how very loved she was. Such a beautiful ray of sunshine! She will always be remembered by everyone!!! Prayers of strength go out to her mommy especially. I know it had to be hard to stay strong during this interview. I just wanted to hug her! Justice will be served to the monster that took her away from her family!!! Rest in Peace Athena 💗💗💗
I've never cried more from watching an interview 😢
This is heartbreaking! So sad that this happened to Athena and the pain the family has to endure because of this senseless act!
Still praying for the family. I am so proud of the mom's strength during this interview!
I lost my 16.5 year old daughter to a freak accident, 25 years ago this upcoming March. I wouldn’t Dare say I know what this Mom, or Any other Mom who’s lost a child of Any age, is feeling, or the Repetitive Nightmares she’s having, or say she’s coping so well. I Can say that I quickly realized how Blessed I was in my loss, bc I know she didn’t see what was coming,& I know she died Instantly, while there’s too many Moms like This Mom,& Mom’s(&Dad’s)leave this earth, never knowing what happened to their child, until the meet again in Heaven. I Still remember, hear, & feel the Horrific Scream that came out of me, from the depths of my toes & soul.
One of the Worst, yet so heartfelt in The Moment is when people say, “Gone, but Never Forgotten.”Because it Is true for family, while everyone moves on,& actually get freaked out when a parent Remembers something bc of a song, a place, whatever,& says their name-Please work on that Folks!!! It’s Not done for attention, sympathy, any words of wisdom, or anything else, besides we can’t,& Never Want to forget that child,& be able to have those little moments every parent we most likely know, all have,& we have with our other children, if we were Blessed with more than one.
The first thing I see in the morning, is my baby’s Beautiful Senior High pic,& it’s the last thing I see turning out my light at night. It Never ends with time,& in many ways it gets harder with wondering what they’d be up to if they Were here. The Greatest Gift you can give to those of us who have no identifying name like Orphans have, is letting have those moments without you wanting to run, bc it’s awkward & painful. Having a Conversation where you laugh &/or cry is Beyond whatever measure of Priceless is. And prayers are Always helpful.🙏
The best healing advice and loving advice I can give is to keep talking. Keep telling the world about your beautiful Athena 🦋 Sending love from Georgia ❤
My heart grieves for Athena, her mother, & for her whole family. It’s an unimaginable pain to loose a child, unfortunately I know that pain as well. I can only imagine it’s worse if it is not by natural processes & pray Athena & her family are able to obtain justice & find some peace.
I'm sorry for your loss
I watched and prayed so hard Athena would be found safe. Athena is known and loved from Oregon. I will never forget her face. Love you to momma.
To Athena mom you are making your daughter proud!! I don't know how you're sitting there being so strong. I know I will never forget you and Athena!!!
Sorry for. Your.lost.
I can tell how special Athena was by what I just saw, what an amazing parent/person. What poise.
What his excuse is for taking this precious baby's life is in fact NO EXCUSE!!. He had no business putting her in that truck and not telling her mom that he mistakenly hit her with the vehicle and offered help to seek medical attention. He is a monster for even thinking to do harm to such a precious life. He should have called 911 and reported the incident to the company. That was the right thing. She was such a beautiful young lady. Condolences and prayers to her parents, family, friends and everyone that knew her. ❤️
thats a lie, he never hit her, he just took her for his own sick pleasure
Why does anyone believe him? No sane person would do that. He's a predator and saw her and grabbed her because he had the opportunity. If he didn't have his way with her before killing her it's only because he couldn't for some reason. He just doesn't want to go to prison as a convicted child predator and have all his family know what he is.
Some people in this comment section are monsters themselves... this mother did absolutely nothing wrong! Her baby was stolen from her and this mother is a victim point blank!!
👍You are so correct and very polite! They are nothing but disgusting, low life scumbags, who are no better than the perpetrator! Maybe someday, they will walk in this mums shoes - then they will understand! 🤬 Bless you for being so decent!
@@michmor6221 I'm just a momma myself and some of the comments really upset me so I can't imagine how it would make her feel reading them.. this world can be a dark place
My heart breaks for her and her family! That 7yr old baby was taken away to soon. I hope that monster gets what he deserves in prison!! I pray that he will never see the light of day, so that he can't ever hurt another child!!
please remember a quote ive come across.. i also lost a loved one in an untimely way. "those we love dont go away, they fly beside us every day." Athena watches over you now and please find comfort knowing you will meet her again. prayers of love and light, strength and peace im so so very sorry for your loss. you dear are so strong you should be so proud of the way you've carried yourself with such grace. please take care.
Heartbreaking beyond compare. I hope we can start a foundation in her name. 💖❣💖
That was heartbreaking yet beautiful. 🕊️
This mother is amazing! Getting her baby ready for the funeral. I can't imagine the pain. I hope you find some peace love.
I feel so bad for this mom.Dont know if I could be so calm.The worse part for her will be the trial of this Evil Monster.I wish I could talk to this mom and just hold her ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
@@Camelot326 Mayhaps she wants to F5 her like Lesnar?
There just aren’t any words to type that could ever come close enough to comfort for this sweet mother in the rawest of pain. I’m just so sorry her beautiful little girl was taken from her for nothing. Athena deserved to have the life she was given and her family deserved to have a front seat to it. This demon that showed up to take and destroy pure innocence, pure beauty deserves his life taken from him. May the wheels of justice turn swiftly. May sweet Athena Rest In Peace 💖
Here for everyone going through something like this.
Praying for this mama , I can’t even begin to imagine her pain . My heart breaks for her. Your baby girl was absolutely beautiful and I hope she’s up in heaven dancing waiting for you ❤
I have never commented before but my heart goes out to this baby and her mum I am so sorry for your loss I am in the UK and have been following this and this is just terrible I wish you and your family all the best RIP Athena 💔💔💔
I've never believed in the death penalty , but hearing those words.." Every breath he takes is one that my daughter doesn't"." Makes me rethink the death penalty that much more!! I kept avoiding anything/video relating to this case. I have 5 children and it always makes me put myself in that situation. I can't even imagine.. I'm so sorry for your loss. Your family is always in my prayers!!
As a mom I couldn't imagine the pain she is going thru my heart breaks for her sendind lots of prayers 💕🙏🙏
I feel so sad for this young mom! I wish I could hug her! Nobody should ever have to lose a child in that awful way! 💔🙏
Athena was an angel here on Earth & is now unfortunately an angel above… I wish I could give her mom the biggest hug. Nothing will ever lessen this pain for anyone who loved her. 😔
if you read this, athena was beyond blessed to have you as a mother. you honor her tremendously and I can feel how much you love her from this interview. you will make it. you are so strong and your other girls need you 🩷 i pray proper justice is laid on him in this life and the next
Praying for your healing and peace. Cry as much as you need to. I'm not expecting anything else from you. My heart breaks for you and your baby Athena.
Sending Athenas family love. This unspeakable tragedy should never happen. I am so sorry for all your pain and heartbreak.
I don't how she can do the interview, I'd have to be sedated and I'd have murderous rage.This woman is remarkable❤️
Maybe she is sedated
I can not even fathom this kind of pain, I pray for her and her family and for strength for her to get through this . This should never happen this is a nightmare
In Australia, hadn't heard about this awfully sad case. I just googled and read the article. Saw Athena's photo..what a beautiful child, reminds me of my 3 yo granddaughter...the pain this family is in can't be explained nor should it..let them grieve and my heart goes out to them all, especially her parents..brave mum...❤️❤️❤️ RIP little angel
That is one of the strongest women I've listened to in a long time,.just being able to do this interview ! My heart breaks for her and most of for Athena 💔 rip little 😇 angel!
Dificulte to listen these mommy without cry. I'm so sorry 😔. RIP Athena 🌺🌺🌺❤️
Huge hug❤️
Deepest condolences for your loss. Wishing you comfort, peace and strength in this difficult time. My heart goes out to you during this time. 🙏
Don’t ever apologize for crying for your beautiful little girl! I am so sorry for your unbelievable loss! I am praying for God’s comfort for all of those who loved her.
Such beautiful words spoken for her daughter. Sounded like she had a beautiful funeral for her daughter. To add to her beautiful name that she had given her. We all need to do our part in watching out for the children in our neighborhoods, on their walks home from school , I've came across at least six incidents if not more. that did not look right. Learn to speak up. Have the right telephone numbers to be able to call on hand. We as a society need to look out for the children . My heart has always been for the children need our protecting . I told the children in the neighborhood about the cliff inside the woods (I tell them the words is not for the children.) I pick up sticks or glass that I see were children might be playing.
Don't like news guy. Enemy ? She a child reword. Dork
My heart breaks for this beautiful child and her loving parents.
My heart breaks for this woman💔💔. Anytime I hear her talk my heart breaks. I just can’t imagine what she’s going through. Such an evil world we live in 😭💔
Wow she's one amazing woman! Bless her heart and the family! Sending my love and prayers xx
What an impressive woman. I pray for some sense of comfort for her.
This is so heartbreaking, I feel this mama's pain. Rip beautiful girl athena!
How is her dad
Maitland, your strength and grace exudes through the screen. I am so very sorry for your loss. For the world's loss. Our family will keep you in our hearts and prayers 🙏 Rest easy sweet Athena 💓
So so sad praying for the mom and family RIP little angel he needs to get the death penalty for what he has done to that little angel praying 🙏🏻
She is so poised and her strength is amazing. Prayers to her family. 🙏 Great interview 👍 👏 👌 🙌
I couldn't even begin to imagine.. sending this family healing energy. My heart is breaking for them.
So heartbreaking! Prayers for the family. Praying justice will be served for the monster that did this.
I don't have any children and cannot begin to understand the pain Athena's family and friends are going through. Rest peacefully Athena. You're flying with the angels and you'll be missed here.
Her strength 😭 I could feel every word of this as a mother. I can’t, and don’t like to, imagine her pain and pray I never know it. My heart and soul aches for her and her family. Praying, hard, for them 🙏
“We need to do better to protect our children and expect better of other people” 😢
My heart goes to her and her family. This monster took her child and threw her life upside down. I wish her peace and pray for justice
Bless her mom! She has a burden to carry the rest of her life!
I wish I could give her the biggest hug. As much as she wouldn’t want that and just wants her baby back. 😢 I can’t even fathom the immense pain!
Athena was her mommas more precious than anything in the world beautiful little angel.
I just want to hug this poor woman. Especially with Christmas coming up. Prayers for her comforter to come and heal her broken heart
You're right, Momma. It's not "okay." Is not okay at all. Athena should BE HERE.
I would not be able to do this if I was in her shoes. I would be a hot mess. You wouldn’t be able to pick me up off the floor for days on end. Praying for you mama I’m so sorry for your loss and I’m so sorry this happened to Athena 😞
This is so heartbreaking!
As a mother, my heart absolutely shattered into pieces hearing her talk. She spoke with so much strength and conviction, it was admirable.
You can literally feel her pain and I wish I could squeeze her so tightly. Momma, nothing anyone says will take your pain away so I won't even try, but I am praying for you and your family to be able to find peace and tranquility in this horrible time. I hope one-day you are able to remember only the happy, wholesome precious times you had with Athena for the 7 beautiful years you has her. She sounded like a lovely sweetheart and everyone will remember her forever. Athena will always be with you 💞
My heart goes out to this mother. No parent should have to go through this.
Do not EVER take your eyes off of your children not even for 1 second keep a leash on them if you must 😭. The world is just too dangerous.
If only that were possible.
This mom couldn’t do that because she was with her father and stepmom, as much as we would like to keep our kids close,sometimes it is not up to us.
@@bellat4484 I been wondering about the stepmom, I hope she wasn’t negligent. Some stepmoms don’t really want kids from the previous marriage or relationship around. I hope this was not the case. Since hearing this story, been wondering what kind of relationship the stepmom had with this little girl. We may never know
@@louniece1650 it is possible though 🤷 hire a nanny. No excuse. Everyone failed that girl.
@whateva whateva the original article I read about this case was step mom and Athena got into a fight and that's why Athena was outside....
She was a real angel.
Sending this mama lots of love and support. This is beyond words. My heart hurts for her.
I am so very sorry. My prayers are with you. Thank you for a compassionate interviewer. 🙏💜
The strength of this mother is beyond my own comprehension of my own abilities as a mother... I'm in awe of her and it's so easy to feel inferior as a mom after hearing what this woman has done for her babygirl regardless of how difficult it was for her, because she was still thinking of and putting Athena first, and what she would want and need in those moments... Which is her mom 😣💔 I can only imagine how strong of a girl Athena must have been after seeing her mom...
“Every breath he takes is one that Athena doesn’t.” That was so powerful. My heart pours out love and sorrow for this lady.
We may never know why these terrible things happen to sweet innocent children but she will always be her mothers forever angel
I could not imagine losing one of my children. You can tell she’s in pain and misses Athena so much. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. 😢
Prayers and strength for you and your family, she was a beautiful little girl. I feel it's too early for you mom to be going through an interview you're still grieving
So sad , poor baby girl.
Aww, the “muddy puddles” reference got me. Athena, like my little boy, must’ve watched Peppa Pig. American kids usually say “mud puddles,” unless they watch Peppa Pig. Poor baby.
Heartbreaking for this family. Such a massive loss, your wee girl. 💔