Child Abduction and Murder Case Details Emerge
Tanner Horner, a former contract delivery driver for Topspin, which handled packages for FedEx, has pleaded guilty to capital murder and aggravated kidnapping in the death of 7-year-old Athena Strand. The incident occurred in November 2022, in Paradise, Texas, shortly after Horner delivered a package to Strand's home. Prosecutors presented chilling audio evidence, including recordings of Horner singing a Christmas song while Strand screamed in pain, and Horner threatening the child. Jurors are currently deliberating his sentence, with the possibility of the death penalty or life in prison without parole.
Horner initially claimed he accidentally struck Strand with his van while backing up and then panicked, placing her in his vehicle. However, Wise County District Attorney James Stainton has accused Horner of lying, arguing that Strand was abducted without being harmed by a collision. Investigators state Horner admitted to attempting to break Strand's neck before strangling her with his hands in the back of his van when that failed. Her body was discovered two days later, approximately nine miles from her home.
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Sentencing Phase Testimony
During the sentencing hearing, Tanner Horner's mother testified, recounting details of her son's childhood. She described her own struggles with drug use and drinking during her pregnancy with Horner, and that she continued to use drugs throughout his childhood. She also spoke of him being bullied.
Athena Strand's mother, Maitlyn Gandy, also took the stand, sharing her final moments with her daughter. Gandy recounted telling her daughter she was staying with her father longer and withholding the truth of her death until what would have been Athena's eighth birthday. Athena's father, Jacob Strand, also testified, expressing feelings of failure for not being there to protect his child.
Evidence Presented
Prosecutors have played surveillance footage showing Horner kidnapping Strand from her driveway. Further chilling audio evidence revealed Horner covering the camera inside his truck after the abduction. In recorded jail calls with his mother, Horner denied doing anything "weird" to Strand. He also wrote letters from jail, including one apologizing to Athena's family, and stated he had been diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome. Horner's defense attorney has asked jurors to consider a life sentence.
Background
Athena Strand was staying with her father and stepmother at the time of her death. Horner was an independent contractor delivering for FedEx. The case has captivated public attention due to the young age of the victim and the disturbing details that have emerged during the trial. Horner was arrested shortly after the incident.
