Jurors Hear Horrific Details of 7-Year-Old's Murder

FedEx driver Tanner Horner has pleaded guilty to capital murder and aggravated kidnapping in the killing of 7-year-old Athena Strand. Jurors are currently weighing a sentence of life in prison without parole or the death penalty for the crime.

Horner's actions on November 30, 2022, led to Athena's disappearance from her Paradise, Texas, driveway. Her body was discovered two days later, nine miles away. Following his arrest, Horner contacted his former pastor, seeking a meeting.

During the sentencing phase, prosecutors presented surveillance footage showing Horner placing Athena into his truck. Audio recordings captured a disturbing conversation, with Athena questioning Horner and Horner making inappropriate comments before covering the camera. The audio then revealed sounds of violence, including Athena screaming and crying.

Medical examiners confirmed Athena died from blunt force trauma, smothering, and strangulation. The prosecution highlighted Athena's bravery, noting she fought back during the attack. The pastor testified that Horner sought to understand the gravity of his actions, though Horner did not reveal specifics of the crime to him.