Tanner Lynn Horner, a 35-year-old FedEx delivery driver, kidnapped and killed 7-year-old Athena Strand on 30 November 2022 in Wise County, Texas. Horner delivered a package to the Strand family home and abducted Athena. Her body was found two days later near Boyd, Texas.
Horner confessed to investigators that he accidentally struck Athena with his delivery van while backing out of the driveway. He said she did not appear seriously injured but that he panicked, placed her in his van, and strangled her out of fear she would tell her father what had happened.
DNA evidence, search history showing he searched for 'missing girl' on his phone after the abduction, and FedEx truck camera footage were presented at trial. Jailhouse letters — including an apology to Athena's family — were read in court during the sentencing phase.
Horner pleaded guilty to capital murder of a person under 10 and aggravated kidnapping on 7 April 2026. The sentencing phase began immediately, with jurors deciding between the death penalty and life without parole.
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