DALLAS – Tanner Horner, a former FedEx driver, was sentenced to death on Tuesday after pleading guilty to the 2022 kidnapping and murder of 7-year-old Athena Strand.
The crime occurred while Horner was delivering a Christmas gift to Athena’s home in the rural town of Paradise, near Fort Worth, Texas.
Details of the Crime and Sentence
The jury in Fort Worth heard a month of testimony, including shocking audio recordings from inside Horner’s delivery van. These recordings were key evidence in the case, revealing the last moments of Athena’s life.
Horner, 34, was convicted of capital murder after pleading guilty just before his trial began. Athena’s body was discovered two days after she was reported missing from her home.
During the sentencing, Horner did not react visibly when the judge delivered the death sentence, which was broadcast via a livestream.
Jurors’ Findings and Sentencing Decision
Jurors determined that there was a probability that Horner would commit criminal violence again and be a continuing threat to society.
They also stated that there was nothing in the crime or Horner’s background that would justify a sentence of life without parole instead of the death penalty.
Testimony and Evidence: Audio of Athena’s Last Moments
Prosecutor James Stainton provided a harrowing account of the case in his opening statements, describing how Horner had told “lie upon lie” about the events. Initially, Horner claimed that he accidentally struck Athena with his van while making the delivery and killed her in a panic.
However, the jury was shown a chilling audio recording from inside the delivery van. The audio, which lasted over an hour, recorded Athena’s abduction and her final moments. Horner can be heard lifting Athena into the van and telling her not to scream, or he would hurt her.
In the recording, Horner questions Athena, asking her how old she is, where she goes to school, and telling her to take off her shirt. Athena is heard crying and asking, “Why are you doing this?” Horner responds, “Because you are pretty.”
Athena, terrified, says, “My mom says I can’t do that to somebody. And you can’t do that to me either.” Horner then threatens her, saying, “If you don’t shut up, I will hurt you worse.”
Cause of Death
A medical examiner testified that Athena died from blunt force injuries, along with smothering and strangulation.
Defense Argument: Mental Illness and Autism
While the evidence against Horner was overwhelming, his defense attorney, Steven Goble, argued for a sentence of life in prison instead of the death penalty.
Goble presented Horner’s background, stating that Horner’s mother drank while pregnant, that he had autism, and that he had suffered from mental illness throughout his life.
Additionally, Goble mentioned that Horner had been exposed to high levels of lead, which could have contributed to his behavior.
The Christmas Gift
Athena’s family revealed that the package Horner had been delivering at the time of the abduction was a Christmas gift — a box of “You Can Be Anything” Barbies, intended for Athena.
Political Backlash and the Trial’s Relocation
Horner’s case was moved from rural Wise County to Fort Worth, as his attorneys argued that he would not receive a fair trial in the local community. This move was a response to concerns over potential bias and the sensitivity of the case.
Public Reaction: Widespread Outrage
The killing of Athena Strand sparked widespread outrage in the community and beyond. Advocates and groups representing older people and victims’ rights expressed strong opposition to the crime and to Horner’s actions, underscoring the grief and trauma caused to Athena’s family.
A Grief-Stricken Family and the Pursuit of Justice
The sentencing of Tanner Horner brings some level of closure to a deeply disturbing case that shocked the community and the nation.
While the court proceedings are over, the heartbreak of Athena’s family and the lasting effects of the crime will continue to resonate. As Horner faces the death penalty, the questions surrounding his motivations and his background remain central to the public conversation.
