A FedEx driver who kidnapped and murdered seven-year-old Athena Strand has been sentenced to death by a Texas jury. Tanner Horner, 34, was delivering packages to Athena’s family home in Paradise, Texas, in November 2022 when he abducted her, placed her in his truck, and shut the door. The young girl fought for her life before Horner brutally killed her.
Guilty Plea and Sentencing
Horner pleaded guilty to capital murder and aggravated kidnapping on April 7, hours before his trial was scheduled to begin. The jury, evenly split between men and women, deliberated for two hours and 50 minutes before imposing the death penalty.
Prosecution’s Closing Arguments
During closing arguments, Wise County District Attorney James Stainton called Athena a “warrior” for enduring the traumatic ordeal. He dramatically dropped Horner’s shoes onto a table, stating, “This is what it took to beat the life out of her.” Stainton argued that Horner’s actions were the reason Texas still has the death penalty, calling him “proof why there is evil in society.”
Details of the Crime
Horner had been delivering a box of Barbie dolls, intended as Athena’s Christmas present, when he abducted her. He strangled her and dumped her body in a creek. Audio recordings captured Athena’s final moments, where she asked, “Are you a kidnapper?” and “Why are you doing this?” Horner replied, “Because you are pretty.”
Medical Evidence
Medical examiner Dr. Jessica Dwyer ruled that Athena died from blunt force injuries combined with smothering and strangulation. Although no signs of sexual trauma were found, male DNA was discovered on swabs from Athena’s rape kit, according to former forensic analyst Jacqueline Ferrara.
Horner initially claimed he accidentally hit Athena with his van and strangled her in a panic, but prosecutors dismissed this as an “absolute lie,” noting video evidence showed Athena conscious and unharmed before the abduction. Horner led investigators to her body and later claimed an alter ego named “Zero” took over when he failed to calm her.
