A former FedEx driver, Tanner Horner, has pleaded guilty to the 2022 killing of 7-year-old Athena Strand after delivering a Christmas gift to her home in Paradise, Texas. Horner faces either the death penalty or life in prison for the tragic death of Athena, whose body was discovered two days after she was reported missing. Jurors will now determine his sentence.
The Killing and the Web of Lies
During opening statements, Wise County District Attorney James Stainton condemned Horner’s actions, stating that the only truthful part of his confession was his admission to killing Athena. Stainton described the details of Horner’s story as “lie upon lie upon lie upon lie.”
According to Stainton, Horner’s version of events — claiming that he accidentally struck Athena with his van and then panicked — is an absolute lie. He emphasized that Athena was uninjured when Horner placed her into his van. Instead, Stainton revealed that Horner threatened the young girl, saying, “Don’t scream or I’ll hurt you,” twice before putting her in the vehicle.
Gruesome Details and Evidence
The jury was shown a chilling image of Athena taken from a video inside Horner’s delivery truck, where she was still alive and seated behind the driver’s seat.
Stainton revealed that, during the altercation, Athena fought back against Horner, and his DNA was found under her fingernails. Additionally, Horner’s DNA was found on parts of Athena’s body where it should not have been, underscoring the horrific nature of the crime.
Stainton emphasized the brutality of the crime by saying, “You are going to hear what a 250-pound man can do to a 67-pound child. And when I say it’s horrible, I mean it.”
Horner’s Confession and Actions
According to the arrest warrant, Horner told investigators that he strangled Athena after accidentally hitting her with his van while backing up.
Horner claimed that Athena wasn’t seriously hurt, but in a panic, he put her in his van to prevent her from revealing what had happened to her father. Initially, Horner tried to break Athena’s neck and, when that failed, he strangled her with his hands in the back of the van.
Horner later led authorities to the location where he had abandoned Athena’s body. The gruesome details of the case have left the community reeling.
Defense and Mental Health Claims
During the trial, Horner’s defense attorney, Steven Goble, acknowledged that the evidence against his client was “overwhelming” and “terrible.” However, Goble argued that Horner’s actions could be attributed to a combination of mental health issues and a difficult upbringing.
He explained that Horner’s mother drank during pregnancy, and that Horner had autism and had suffered from mental illnesses throughout his life. Goble also mentioned that Horner was exposed to a “massive amount of lead” during his childhood.
Goble asked the jury to consider sentencing Horner to life in prison, rather than the death penalty.
Athena’s Family and the Christmas Gift
Athena’s stepmother, Ashley Strand, testified in court, telling the jury that the package Horner had delivered to Athena’s home was a Christmas present — a box of “You Can Be Anything” Barbies. Strand also described how Athena loved living in the rural countryside, where she was able to “run wild and free.”
Strand, who has since divorced Athena’s father, also expressed her heartbreak over the tragedy, further highlighting the deep emotional impact of Athena’s loss.
Relocation of the Trial
The trial was moved from rural Wise County to Fort Worth after Horner’s attorneys argued that he would not receive a fair trial in the original location. The case has captured widespread attention due to the brutality of the crime and the emotional testimony from Athena’s family.
Table Summary
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Tanner Horner, former FedEx driver accused of killing 7-year-old Athena Strand |
| Date of Crime | 2022, in Paradise, Texas |
| Charges | Pleaded guilty to killing Athena Strand after delivering a Christmas gift |
| Horner’s Actions | Claimed he accidentally struck Athena with his van before strangling her in a panic |
| Evidence | Horner’s DNA found on Athena’s body; his DNA under Athena’s fingernails |
| Defense | Attorney cites mental health issues, autism, and difficult childhood in defense of Horner |
| Athena’s Family | Step-mother Ashley Strand testifies about Athena’s Christmas gift and love for country life |
| Trial Location | Moved from Wise County to Fort Worth to ensure a fair trial |
| Verdict | Jury will decide Horner’s punishment: death penalty or life in prison |
A Tragic and Horrific Crime
The trial of Tanner Horner has brought to light the horrifying details of a young girl’s death. As the jury prepares to deliberate Horner’s punishment, the family and community continue to grieve the loss of Athena Strand, a child who was taken far too soon. Whether Horner faces the death penalty or life imprisonment, the tragedy of Athena’s death will forever leave a lasting impact on her loved ones and the community of Paradise, Texas.
