FedEx Driver Claims Low Libido Prevented Sexual Assault in Girl's Murder
In a chilling revelation from jail, Tanner Horner, the 34-year-old FedEx driver convicted of abducting and killing seven-year-old Athena Strand, told his mother he did not sexually assault the child because his medication left him with a low libido. The conversation was captured in recorded phone calls played during his sentencing hearing on Monday, as reported by Fox 4 News.
Jail Call Exchanges Between Horner and His Mother
During the emotional exchange, Horner's mother pressed him for details about the November 2022 crime in Paradise, Texas. "What did you do? Did she die on her own?" she asked, to which Horner admitted, "No." When she expressed hope he hadn't "done nothing weird" to the girl, Horner replied he hadn't, citing his medication's effect on his libido. "Well, actually, with my medication, I barely even have a libido as it is," he revealed.
Horner's Abduction and Murder of Athena Strand
Horner abducted Strand from outside her home while delivering a box of Barbies intended as her Christmas present. He strangled the youngster and dumped her body in a creek. Surveillance footage from his delivery van showed a concerned-looking Strand being driven to her death. Prosecutors presented evidence that markings on her face matched the floor of his FedEx vehicle.
Remorseful Letters and Blame on FedEx
In a letter sent to Strand's family in January 2023, Horner expressed remorse but blamed FedEx for the murder, citing his Asperger's Syndrome and inability to cope with route changes. "I don't do well with change, I can have meltdowns when unexpected changes to my daily routine happens," he wrote. He claimed the company ignored his requests for a consistent routine, leading to a "suicidal episode" before the killing.
Court Proceedings and Evidence
At his trial, prosecutors revealed the first images of the creek where Strand's body was found, with an agent describing wading in waist-deep water to retrieve her remains. Medical examiner Jessica Dwyer testified that Strand was found naked with her hands covered by plastic bags, but showed no signs of sexual trauma. Trauma was noted on her head, neck, chest, and back.
Horner's Audacious Requests and Denials
Earlier in the trial, it was revealed that Horner asked investigators for a month's freedom to spend Christmas with his son after his arrest, offering to tell "everything" in exchange. The request was denied. In another call played in court, Horner denied raping Athena to his grandmother, breaking down while discussing missing Christmas with his son.
Attempts to Evade Accountability
Horner also wrote to detectives, alluding to another person being responsible for the murder, claiming a man with a rifle forced him to kill Strand. Prosecutors stated there is no evidence supporting this claim. His letter to the family included a "side note" criticizing FedEx's safety negligence, further shifting blame away from his actions.
Impact on Families and Sentencing
Horner's letter acknowledged the widespread impact of his crime, writing, "So many people were affected by my breakdown. Not just your family but mine as well." He concluded by praying his death would ease the family's suffering. Jurors are now deliberating whether Horner should face execution for the abduction and murder of Athena Strand.
