A FedEx driver convicted of the kidnapping and murder of a 7-year-old girl has been sentenced to death for his heinous actions.
Tanner Horner, aged 34, was carrying out deliveries at Athena Strand’s family residence in Paradise, Texas in November 2022 when he abducted her in his delivery truck and sealed the door shut. Athena bravely resisted inside the vehicle before Horner tragically ended her life.
Horner confessed to capital murder and aggravated kidnapping on April 7. The jury deliberated for nearly three hours before deciding on the death penalty for Horner.
Upon learning of his fate on Tuesday, May 5, Horner remained stoic. Athena’s uncle, Elijah Strand, directly addressed the perpetrator, emphasizing that Athena’s memory and legacy will endure while Horner will be forgotten.
Elijah Strand mourned the loss of Athena, highlighting the profound impact her absence has had on their family, leaving them with unfillable voids, enduring grief, and unanswered questions.
District Attorney James Stainton praised Athena for her courageous battle against her assailant and displayed the shoes worn by Horner during the crime as evidence of the brutality inflicted upon the young girl. Stainton underscored the necessity of justice in the face of such evil, affirming the importance of the death penalty.
Horner is set to be transferred to the Allan B. Polunsky Unit in West Livingston, Texas, where he will join other inmates on death row. The court played video and audio recordings capturing Athena’s final moments, shedding light on the harrowing ordeal she faced.
Witnesses recounted Horner’s disturbing actions and false claims regarding the circumstances of Athena’s death, with forensic evidence revealing male DNA on swabs from her rape kit. Prosecutors discredited Horner’s initial account, asserting that Athena was unharmed before the abduction.
Despite the tragedy, Athena’s memory lives on as a symbol of resilience and innocence, while Horner faces the consequences of his despicable crime.
