WARNING: DISTRESSING CONTENT
A Texas Jury has sentenced FedEx driver Tanner Horner to death for the murder of seven-year-old Athena Strand, bringing a horrowing case to a close after a trial that left jurors and family members visibly shaken.
The verdict was delivered in Fort Worth, about 64km from where the young girl’s body was discovered in a creek in November 2022. Jurors deliberated for just three hours before handing down the death penalty, which will be carried out by lethal injection at a later date.
Horner, who has confessed to the killing, showed no visible emotion as the sentence was read. He remained expressionless throughout the hearing, responding only with “Yes, sir” when asked about the automatic appeal, standard procedure in Texas death penalty cases.
The trial laid bare chilling details of the crime, with prosecutors describing a sequence of events that began when Horner abducted Athena outside her home. Evidence presented to the court included forensic testimony, digital records and disturbing audio that left jurors sobbing and some observers leaving the courtroom.
Early in the trial, prosecutors rejected Horner’s earlier claim that Athena’s death followed an accidental collision, describing the account as an “absolute lie” and arguing the child was not injured prior to being abducted, Fox4 reported.
Investigators told the court that items, including bungee cords, were recovered from the vehicle, which prosecutors have referred to as the “abduction van”. Crime scene investigator Alise Amey testified that markings on Athena’s face were consistent with the surface of the van floor.
In footage previously shown to the court, the moment Horner encountered Athena was captured. Jurors heard the child repeatedly ask, “Are you a kidnapper?” after being placed inside the van.
Horner could be heard telling the girl to sit down and warning he would hurt her if she screamed. During the recording, he asked her about her age, school and teacher before telling her: “You’re really pretty. You know that?”
As the vehicle stopped and started again, Athena asked questions about where they were going and requested her mother. At one point, Horner asked the child to remove her shirt, which she refused to do before becoming distressed.
In emotional scenes, Athena’s family addressed Horner directly after the sentence was handed down.
“You will be judged. You will face the wrath of god,” her uncle told the court.
“But I want you to know that you are nothing. You are a footnote in Athena’s story,” he said. “Her name will forever be remembered. Her name will be forever celebrated.”
He continued, “Everyone will forget you. You wanted your 15 minutes of fame. You got it. And no one is going to remember you after this.”
Athena’s mother watched on from the gallery, visibly emotional, as the court proceeding came to an end.
During the trial, prosecutors argued Horner’s actions were deliberate and calculated, pointing to evidence including his internet search history and testimony from witnesses about his behaviour.
The defence, focused on his mental health and background, argued he had long struggled with psychological issues.
Horner previously told investigators he panicked after encountering Athena and later attempted to attribute the killing to an alter ego he referred to as “Zero”.
‘That’s what f..ks with me,’ he told investigators, per reports. ‘I’m wondering who the hell’s been in my head this whole time.’
Despite those arguments, the jury ultimately sided with prosecutors, delivering the harshest possible penalty under Texas law.
Young people seeking support can phone beyondblue on 1300 22 4636 or go to headspace.org.au.
If you or someone you know needs help, phone SANE Australia Helpline on 1800 18 SANE (7263).
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