Jurors were moved to tears as they watched a distressing video of a seven-year-old girl talking with a FedEx driver before he committed a heinous act. Tanner Horner, 34, took Athena Strand from her residence while delivering a package of Barbie toys her parents had purchased for her as a Christmas gift in November 2022. Tragically, Horner strangled Athena to death inside his van after abducting her from her home in Paradise, Texas. The courtroom was overcome with emotion as jurors witnessed footage of the young girl prior to her untimely demise.
The heart-wrenching dashcam recording captured Athena questioning Horner about being a kidnapper, a query she repeated multiple times during the interaction. The video also depicted Athena conversing with the driver about her school and teacher, with her fear escalating when Horner halted the vehicle.
The judge, acknowledging the distressing nature of the video, offered individuals in the courtroom the option to leave if they found it too overwhelming. Athena’s parents, Maitlyn Gandy and Jacob Strand, opted to step out when the dashcam footage was played, revealing the chilling moment of Athena’s abduction by Horner.
Upon Horner’s arrival at the girl’s residence to make a delivery, Athena followed him closely. Subsequently, Horner placed Athena inside his delivery van after luring her in. Following Athena’s inquiry about his intentions, Horner issued threats and attempted to intimidate her, leading to a heart-wrenching exchange between the predator and his innocent victim.
Horner later admitted to capital murder and aggravated kidnapping charges just before his trial commenced. The court will now be tasked with determining whether Horner will receive the death penalty or life imprisonment for his abhorrent actions.
In a disturbing revelation, Horner disclosed to law enforcement officers that he accidentally struck Athena with his van, panicked, then proceeded to strangle her after placing her in the vehicle. During earlier proceedings, a troubling image was presented to the court showing Athena kneeling behind Horner in the moments leading up to her tragic fate.
