During the murder trial of Tanner Horner, the FedEx driver accused of killing seven-year-old Athena Strand, a psychiatrist, Dr. Eileen Ryan, shared shocking details. She testified that Horner claimed to have seen the young girl “snorting cocaine” before he kidnapped her, which he said prompted him to act out of fear over what she might say.
Dr. Ryan described Horner’s reaction as “totally irrational,” noting an unsettling leap in his logic during the incident. She expressed concern, admitting that moments in life can feel overwhelming, causing significant anxiety about job security and family.
In the trial held in Fort Worth, Texas, it emerged that Horner had confessed to assaulting Athena, even though he initially denied involvement. He faces the possibility of the death penalty, with a verdict expected soon.
Ryan recounted how Horner’s behavior reminded her of a traumatizing experience she had faced years ago. This personal comparison highlighted the emotional weight of his actions.
Another witness, Dr. Amy Fritz, offered insight into Horner’s mindset. She pointed out that fearing a child might expose his drug use demonstrated a serious disconnect from understanding a child’s perception. Young children, after all, might not even grasp what cocaine is, she noted.
Horner’s narrative has shifted significantly. Initially, he told police he had accidentally struck Strand with his van and panicked. Later, he even mentioned an alter ego, “Zero,” who he blamed for strangling her. Athena was taken from her family’s driveway in Paradise, Texas, on November 30, 2022, while Horner delivered a package.
Tragically, her body was discovered two days later in a remote stream. The coroner reported that she died from blunt force trauma, asphyxiation, and strangulation.
