Former FedEx Driver Pleads Guilty in Killing of 7-Year-Old Athena Strand

The case has now entered a punishment phase, where a jury in Fort Worth will determine whether Tanner Horner receives a sentence of death or life in prison. The trial was relocated from Wise County following a defense motion.

Case Background and Initial Account

Athena Strand was reported missing from her home in Paradise, Texas, in December 2022. Her body was discovered two days later.

According to an arrest warrant cited in multiple reports, Horner initially told investigators that he accidentally struck Athena with his delivery van. He stated that he panicked, placed her in the vehicle, and, because he did not want her to inform her father, strangled her. Horner reportedly told authorities he first attempted to break her neck before strangling her with his hands in the back of the van. He subsequently led investigators to the location of the body.

Prosecution's Opening Statements

During opening statements in the punishment phase, Wise County District Attorney James Stainton stated that Horner's account of accidentally striking Athena was false.

Stainton asserted that evidence would show Athena was uninjured when Horner placed her into the vehicle. According to Stainton, Horner told Athena, "Don't scream or I'll hurt you," twice after putting her in the truck.

The prosecution indicated that evidence includes:

• Video from inside the delivery truck showing Athena alive.
• Audio recordings from after a camera in the vehicle was reportedly obscured.
• Forensic evidence, with Horner's DNA found under Athena's fingernails and in other locations, which prosecutors state indicates a struggle.

In a separate court session, security video from November 30, 2022, was presented showing Horner cleaning the interior of his FedEx van with a spray and paper towels.

Defense's Position for Sentencing

Horner's defense attorney, Steven Goble, acknowledged the evidence against his client. Goble asked the jury to impose a sentence of life in prison rather than the death penalty.

In his request, Goble cited factors in Horner's background, including:

• His mother's alcohol consumption during pregnancy.
• A diagnosis of autism.
• Various mental illnesses.
• Exposure to a significant amount of lead.

Testimony from Victim's Family

Ashley Strand, Athena's stepmother, testified during the proceedings. She stated that the package delivered by Horner to their home was a Christmas present for Athena: a box of "You Can Be Anything" Barbies.

Trial Logistics

The trial was moved from Wise County to Tarrant County (Fort Worth) following arguments from Horner's defense attorneys, who contended he could not receive a fair trial in the more rural county.