A FedEx delivery driver who kidnapped and murdered a seven-year-old girl was heard singing a Christmas song while the terrified child screamed in pain and fear, according to harrowing courtroom testimony.
Chilling Dashcam Audio Reveals Horrific Crime
The court in Texas played distressing dashcam footage from inside the van of Tanner Horner, 34, which captured audio of the moment he killed Athena Strand in November 2022. The footage revealed Horner singing along to "Jingle Bell Rock" on the radio as Athena screamed and begged for her mother.
Kidnapping from Family Home
Horner snatched Athena from her home in Paradise, Texas, while delivering a package of Barbie toys her parents had purchased as a Christmas gift. Surveillance footage showed the girl following Horner as he dropped off packages before he picked her up and placed her inside his delivery vehicle.
The terrified child was heard asking Horner, "Are you a kidnapper?" as he drove her away from her family. A chilling image presented in court showed Athena kneeling behind Horner in the van during the abduction.
Violent Assault and Threats
Approximately thirty minutes into the recording, as the Christmas song played, Horner began singing while Athena screamed in apparent pain. The driver threatened the child, saying, "Shut up. If you don't shut up, I will hurt you worse."
The audio also captured the sound of choking and banging inside the truck. Earlier in the recording, Horner told Athena, "You're really pretty. You know that?" before asking her to remove her shirt, which she refused.
Confession and Legal Proceedings
Horner admitted to one count of capital murder and one count of aggravated kidnapping just hours before his trial was scheduled to begin. According to an arrest warrant, he initially told police he accidentally struck Athena with his van during a delivery, panicked, placed her in the vehicle, and then strangled her.
The court must now determine whether Horner will face the death penalty or life imprisonment for his crimes. Athena's heartbroken parents reportedly left the courtroom before the disturbing video evidence was played during proceedings.
Community Impact and Ongoing Case
The brutal murder has shocked the local community and drawn national attention to vulnerabilities in delivery security protocols. The case continues as legal authorities pursue justice for Athena Strand, whose young life was tragically cut short during what should have been a joyful holiday season.
