Tanner Horner, a former FedEx driver, was sentenced to death for the brutal murder of 7-year-old Athena Strand after pleading guilty just before his trial began. The tragic events unfolded on November 30, 2022, when Athena disappeared from her home.
On that fateful day, Horner delivered a package to the Strand residence. He later confessed to taking Athena and admitted that she was dead—claiming he accidentally hit her with his van and panicked. This confession led authorities to discover her body approximately 15 miles away in a waterway.
The jury deliberated for less than three hours before reaching a verdict. They found Horner guilty of aggravated kidnapping and capital murder of a person under 10 years old. His plea came as the trial commenced on April 7, 2026, following two weeks of evidence presented.
Key facts from the trial:
- Athena disappeared on November 30, 2022.
- Horner worked as a FedEx driver for five months.
- The jury deliberation lasted less than three hours.
The trial included testimonies from family members and psychologists regarding Horner’s troubled upbringing. Diagnosed with bipolar I disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and autism, his mental health history raised questions during the proceedings. His family background involved allegations of childhood sexual assault and abuse.
Detectives revealed chilling details about the crime—when Horner attempted to break Athena’s neck and ultimately strangled her with his bare hands in the back of the FedEx van. Jacob Strand, Athena’s father, expressed hope that the jury made the right decision in seeking justice for his daughter.
As this case continues to resonate within the community, it raises critical discussions around mental health evaluations and child abduction laws in Texas. The implications of Horner’s actions will undoubtedly linger in Fort Worth and beyond.