In a harrowing court proceeding, chilling bodycam footage has revealed the confession of a FedEx driver who brutally murdered seven-year-old Athena Strand in November 2022. Tanner Horner, aged 34, told police he "kind of tossed her" into the woods when initially apprehended by investigators.
Guilty Plea and Trial Details
Horner pleaded guilty earlier this week to the killing, leading to a sentencing trial that will determine if he faces the death penalty. The bodycam footage, shown at his trial on Wednesday, captured the moment officers searched his home for signs of Strand and demanded he reveal her location.
Chilling Exchange with Police
When officers asked Horner to show them where Strand was, he responded, "I can show you." One officer then inquired, "Is she alive?" to which Horner chillingly replied, "She wasn't alive when I put her in the truck." Initially, Horner attempted to claim he accidentally hit Strand with his truck, but he has since admitted to the intentional murder.
Nightmarish Evidence Released
As part of the guilty plea, authorities released a disturbing image of Strand standing inside Horner's FedEx truck at the time of her abduction. The footage shows her being driven to her death, with jurors warned they must endure graphic evidence of the little girl's final moments to decide on an appropriate punishment.
Background of the Abduction
Strand was snatched by Horner as he delivered a package containing a Christmas gift for her—a box of Barbie dolls. This tragic detail adds a layer of horror to the case, highlighting the premeditated nature of the crime amidst a routine delivery.
The sentencing trial continues, with the community and legal experts closely watching as justice is sought for Athena Strand. The case underscores the vulnerabilities in delivery systems and the devastating impact of such violent acts on families and society.
