A chilling photograph has emerged showing a seven-year-old girl meeting a tragic end at the hands of a FedEx driver.
The driver, Tanner Horner, confessed to abducting and killing Athena Strand shortly after delivering a Christmas gift to her residence. Initially denying the murder, Horner later pleaded guilty to capital murder and aggravated kidnapping before his trial commenced. Prosecutors have unveiled a distressing black-and-white image taken on the fateful day, capturing Athena in the delivery van as Horner drove near Fort Worth, Texas.
Tragically, Athena was later found strangled, her body discovered days after the incident not far from her home. Horner now faces the possibility of receiving the death penalty or spending life in prison for his heinous actions.
Following the delivery of Christmas presents, Horner admitted to investigators that he accidentally hit Athena with his vehicle. In a state of panic, he confessed to strangling her inside the truck and then discarding her body, fearing the consequences of informing Athena’s parents.
Contradicting Horner’s claims of an accidental encounter, a newly released photograph from inside the delivery truck challenges his narrative. During the court proceedings, Wise County District Attorney James Stainton cast doubt on Horner’s credibility, emphasizing the web of deceit spun by the accused.
The case has now entered the punishment phase in Texas, where a jury will determine whether Horner should face the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole.
Judge George Gallagher advised the jury to carefully assess all evidence presented in court to make an informed decision on the appropriate punishment for Horner.
Horner was apprehended on the same day Athena’s body was discovered, confessing to authorities about the abduction and subsequent tragedy that unfolded during a delivery assignment.
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