A former FedEx driver, Tanner Horner, admitted his guilt in the tragic death of a 7-year-old girl, Athena Strand. The incident took place after Horner delivered a Christmas gift to her Texas home.
He initially told authorities that he accidentally struck her with his van and panicked, later strangling her. The jury will now decide whether he will receive the death penalty or life imprisonment.
The Crime: Athena Strand’s Murder
Athena Strand’s body was discovered two days after she went missing in the small town of Paradise, near Fort Worth. Horner faces charges for the 2022 killing of the little girl.
According to Wise County District Attorney James Stainton, Horner’s story about hitting Athena with the van and then panicking is a lie. The evidence shows that Athena was unharmed when she was put into Horner’s van.
The Lies and Evidence Against Horner
Stainton pointed out that Horner had told multiple lies, making it difficult to believe his initial account. Evidence in the case revealed that Athena fought back against Horner, with his DNA found under her fingernails. Further investigation revealed that his DNA was found in inappropriate places on her body.
Horner’s Confession and the Strangling Incident
An arrest warrant revealed that Horner initially claimed he accidentally hit Athena while backing up his vehicle. He then panicked and decided to put her in the van to prevent her from telling anyone. Horner confessed that he attempted to break Athena’s neck before finally strangling her. He later led the authorities to the location where he left her body.
Defense Arguments and Mental Health Issues
Horner’s lawyer, Steven Goble, acknowledged that the evidence against Horner was overwhelming and disturbing. However, he pleaded for a life sentence by presenting arguments related to Horner’s troubled childhood, including his mother’s drinking during pregnancy, his autism, and his exposure to harmful substances like lead.
Athena’s Stepmother’s Testimony
Ashley Strand, Athena’s stepmother, shared emotional testimony with the jury, describing Athena’s love for living on their rural land, where she could “run wild and free.” She also revealed that the package Horner delivered was a Christmas gift for Athena — a box of “You Can Be Anything” Barbies.
Trial Location Change
Due to concerns over a fair trial, the case was moved from rural Wise County to Fort Worth. Horner’s attorneys had argued that it would be difficult for him to get a fair trial in the area.
