FedEx Driver Sentenced to Death for Killing 7-Year-Old Girl
Tanner Horner, a former FedEx driver, was sentenced to death after pleading guilty to the 2022 murder of 7-year-old Athena Strand in Texas. Evidence presented during the trial, including audio and video from his delivery van, detailed the abduction and subsequent violence against the child. The jury rejected the defense's plea for life imprisonment, citing Horner's continued threat to society. Prosecutors highlighted Horner's initial lies to authorities, while the defense pointed to his mental health history and substance abuse issues. Athena's death was ruled by a medical examiner to be caused by blunt force trauma, smothering, and strangulation.
Ad slot
A former FedEx driver was sentenced to death after pleading guilty to the 2022 murder of a 7-year-old girl during a Christmas gift delivery in Texas. Jurors in Fort Worth determined that the evidence warranted the maximum penalty, despite defense arguments for life imprisonment.
The Crime and Conviction
Tanner Horner, 34, pleaded guilty to capital murder in connection with the death of Athena Strand.
The incident occurred in Paradise, a rural town near Fort Worth, Texas, while Horner was delivering a Christmas gift.
Athena Strand’s body was discovered two days after she was reported missing from her home.
Evidence Presented in Court
The trial featured extensive evidence, including audio and video recordings taken inside Horner's delivery van. These recordings detailed the events following the abduction.
Ad slot
Abduction and Threats: Video evidence showed Horner lifting Athena into the van and driving away while warning her not to scream or he would cause her harm.
Interrogation: The audio captured Horner questioning Athena about her age and school, before telling her they were going to "hang out." He instructed her to remove her shirt.
Victim's Distress: Athena cried, questioning his actions and asking for her mother. When asked why he was doing it, he replied, "Because you are pretty."
Violence: The recording included Athena's screams, choking, and slamming noises. At one point, Horner allegedly stated, "If you don’t shut up, I will hurt you worse."
Cause of Death: A medical examiner testified that Athena died from blunt force injuries, smothering, and strangulation.
Sentencing and Defense Arguments
Following a month of testimony, the jury delivered its verdict. While the defense argued for life without parole, the jury opted for the death penalty.
Jury Rationale: The jury concluded that there was nothing in the crime's commission or Horner’s background that warranted a sentence less severe than death, finding a probability that Horner posed a continuing threat to society.
Prosecution's Case: Prosecutor James Stainton highlighted Horner's initial deception, noting that Horner had lied to authorities, initially claiming he accidentally struck Athena with the van before killing her in a panic.
Defense Counterarguments: Horner's attorney, Steven Goble, presented mitigating factors, including:
His mother's history of drinking during pregnancy.
Horner's diagnosis of autism and various mental illnesses.
Exposure to a "massive amount of lead."
Conclusion
Athena’s family confirmed that the package Horner delivered was a Christmas gift—a box of "You Can Be Anything" Barbies. The trial was relocated from Wise County to Fort Worth after Horner's legal team argued that a fair trial could not be guaranteed in the original location.
