In a harrowing case that has shocked the community, FedEx driver Tanner Horner made a chilling confession to police following the murder of seven-year-old Athena Strand near Fort Worth, Texas. Newly released bodycam footage, played in court this week, captures Horner's callous words as he admitted to officers that he "kind of tossed her" into the woods after the child's death.
Chilling Details Emerge in Court
Horner, 34, pleaded guilty to one charge of capital murder and one count of aggravated kidnapping in connection with Athena Strand's death. The court proceedings in Dallas, Texas, revealed grim details, including how Horner initially claimed he accidentally struck Athena with his truck before strangling her in a panic. However, he later confessed to the murder, with prosecutors slamming his "lie upon lie, upon lie, upon lie" during the investigation.
Bodycam Footage Reveals Horrific Confession
The bodycam video shows police searching Horner's home for signs of Athena before demanding he reveal her location. When asked if she was alive, Horner responded, "She wasn't alive when I put her in the truck." He then offered to show officers where he disposed of her body, though he was unable to identify the exact spot. The footage also included a disturbing image of Athena standing behind Horner in his vehicle just minutes before he attacked her.
Prosecution Warns of Gruesome Evidence
Wise County District Attorney James Stainton addressed the jury, warning them of the horrific nature of the evidence. "You are going to hear what a 250lb man can do to a 67lb child. And when I say it's horrible, I mean it... I'm going to put you as close as you can be without actually being there that day," Stainton said. Jurors were shown video and audio files during the hearing, including what was described as horrific audio of Athena's killing.
Background of the Crime
The murder occurred in November 2022 when Horner, while delivering Christmas presents to Athena's home in Fort Worth, strangled the young girl. Her body was discovered two days later approximately seven miles from her home, beside a country road. Athena's family described her as their "beautiful princess," with her mother, Maitlyn Gandy, expressing profound grief over the loss.
Sentencing and Legal Proceedings
Horner is set to appear in court later this month, where he will face either the death penalty or life in prison. The case has drawn significant attention due to the brutal nature of the crime and Horner's role as a delivery driver, which allowed him access to the victim's home. The prosecution emphasized the deceit involved, highlighting how Horner continued to deny the murder until the first day of his trial.
As the legal process continues, the community remains haunted by the details of this tragic case, with the bodycam footage serving as a stark reminder of the callousness displayed by the perpetrator.
