Athena Strand’s stepmother thought she was simply hiding when the 7-year-old disappeared from their home in rural Texas on November 30, 2022. Now, a former delivery driver has admitted to kidnapping young Athena and then killing her.
On the first day of his trial, Tanner Horner pleaded guilty in a Tarrant County, Texas, courthouse on April 7 to aggravated kidnapping and capital murder in Strand’s death. He now faces either life in prison or the death penalty.
Jurors will now consider more testimony and evidence as they weigh Horner’s fate. Here’s what we know about Strand’s murder and what happened in the case so far.
Who Is Tanner Horner?
According to NBC 5, Horner was 31 at the time of his arrest, placing his current age around 34. Little is known about his early life.
According to police, Horner resided near Lake Worth, Texas, and didn’t appear to have any criminal history. He was an independent contractor working with FedEx as a delivery driver at the time of Strand’s disappearance and murder.
Horner’s attorney, Steven Goble, told jurors in court he suffered from “various mental illnesses throughout his life.” Goble also claimed that Horner’s mother drank alcohol while she was pregnant with him, and that Horner was exposed to a “massive amount of lead” during his life.
The defense team argues these factors should contribute to a life sentence in prison for Horner, rather than the death penalty he is eligible for after pleading guilty to Strand’s killing.
How Did Tanner Horner Kill Athena Strand?
Horner delivered a Christmas present meant for Strand, a box of “You Can Be Anything” Barbie dolls, when he kidnapped the 7-year-old from her home in rural Paradise, Texas, on November 30, 2022. Strand was staying with her father, Jacob Strand, and stepmother, Ashley Strand, at the time.
Strand was reported missing, setting off a large search involving 200 community members.
Two days later on December 2, Strand’s nude body was found. Police arrested Horner and he was charged with aggravated kidnapping and capital murder.
According to an arrest warrant obtained by the Associated Press, Horner initially told authorities he accidentally hit Strand with his delivery vehicle. Although she wasn’t seriously hurt, he claimed he panicked and placed her in the van before trying to break her neck. When that didn’t work, he strangled her with his hands, killing her. Prosecutors said he then disposed of her body in the Trinity River.
Horner led police to where he left Strand’s body, according to the warrant.
However, Wise County District Attorney James Stainton alleged Tuesday that Horner’s explanation is largely untruthful. A still image shown during the trial showed Strand inside the van with Horner, seemingly unharmed.
“The first thing Tanner Horner says to Athena when he picks her up and puts her in that truck, he leans down and he says: ‘Don’t scream or I’ll hurt you.’ He says that twice,” Stainton said, per AP.
What Happens Next in Tanner Horner’s Trial?
Horner pleaded guilty to both the capital murder and kidnapping charges on Tuesday, April 7.
Court testimony continued Wednesday, as jurors must now decide whether Horner is sentenced to death or life in prison. New body camera footage showed Horner’s apprehension.
The lead investigator, Texas Ranger Job Espinoza, testified that Horner continuously lied during questioning and talked about concern over losing his job and wanting to see his own child, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
In the meantime, ABC 8 has reportedthat a woman reported an alleged sexual assault to police about two months after Horner’s arrest, claiming he was the perpetrator. The victim stated she was 16 at the time of the incident. The Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office chose not to prosecute Horner for the alleged crime, as he is already being tried for Strand’s murder.
Check back with Biography.com for additional updates from the case.
Tyler Piccotti joined the Biography.com staff as an Associate News Editor and is now the News and Culture Editor. He previously worked as a reporter and copy editor for a daily newspaper recognized by the Associated Press Sports Editors. In his current role, he shares the true stories behind your favorite movies and TV shows and profiles rising musicians, actors, and athletes. When he's not working, you can find him at the nearest amusement park or movie theater and cheering on his favorite teams.
