Trial of Tanner Horner: Evidence Presented
Jurors in the trial of Tanner Horner were shown images of his FedEx truck, which prosecutors say was the vehicle used to abduct 7-year-old Athena Strand from her driveway, leading to her death.
On Friday, the court was presented with pictures of the truck’s interior, where Horner, 34, admitted to killing Athena on November 30, 2022, in Texas. He has pleaded guilty to murder and is currently awaiting a jury decision on whether he faces life in prison or the death penalty.
The jury viewed images of bungee cords and bands discovered within the truck, along with photos of investigators examining the vehicle for bio-evidence.
Initially, Horner claimed he had accidentally struck Athena with his delivery truck, but later confessed to kidnapping her while making a delivery and subsequently strangling her.
Alyse Amy, a former crime scene investigator for the Wise County Sheriff’s Office, testified that the truck’s floor was recommended to be removed since there were markings on Athena’s face that corresponded with those on the floor. “There were marks on the victim’s face that matched the floor,” she noted during her testimony, explaining that the removed sections were placed in a brown paper bag due to their size.
During the trial, additional crime scene photos were shared, although the courtroom video feed experienced some blurriness, according to reports. The prosecution portrayed Horner as calculating and ruthless in the murder of Athena.
Prosecutor James Stainton recounted how, when Horner abducted Athena, the first thing he told her was, “Don’t scream or I’m going to hurt you.” This chilling statement underscored the gravity of the situation.
On the first day of the trial, Horner pleaded guilty to capital murder and aggravated kidnapping. Following that, the jury will decide whether he should receive the death penalty or life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
When asked by the judge about his plea regarding the death penalty, Horner simply replied “Guilty, your honor.”
The tragic case saw Horner delivering a package containing a Barbie doll, a gift intended for Athena, at the time of the abduction. After an extensive search involving law enforcement and volunteers, Athena’s body was found less than ten miles from her home.
