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Horner Trial: Death Penalty on the Line
7 Apr
Summary
- Tanner Horner faces capital murder charges for 7-year-old Athena Strand's 2022 death.
- Horner allegedly hit Athena with a FedEx truck and then panicked.
- Defense plans to argue autism to avoid the death penalty during sentencing.
A high-profile capital murder trial for Tanner Horner, accused in the 2022 death of 7-year-old Athena Strand, is set to commence this Tuesday in Tarrant County. If convicted, Horner could face the death penalty.
Authorities allege Horner struck Athena with his FedEx truck while backing out of her driveway. He reportedly told investigators he panicked after the incident and took the child into his van, concerned she would tell her father.
Legal analysts suggest the case's outcome may hinge on sentencing, particularly if Horner's confession is admitted as evidence. The defense is expected to argue Horner's autism as grounds to avoid capital punishment, focusing efforts on the sentencing phase.
Jury selection, a critical and lengthy process, is underway and is considered by legal experts to be a pivotal stage in determining the trial's direction.
