Defense for FedEx Driver in Texas Murder Case Cites Autism
Lawyers representing a FedEx driver charged with the murder of a 7-year-old girl in Texas are arguing against the death penalty, stating the defendant has autism.
Tanner Horner faces accusations of kidnapping and strangling Athena Strand in her Wise County home in late 2022. His legal team has filed 28 motions concerning the case, as highlighted by Fox 4.
One significant motion requests that the death penalty be dismissed due to Horner’s reported autism. The motion argues that the court should not impose the death penalty in situations where the defendant’s characteristics diminish the purpose of such a sentence or could lead to a wrongful execution.
It also notes that individuals on the autism spectrum often experience similar challenges as those with intellectual disabilities. Hence, as it is unconstitutional to assign the death penalty to someone with an intellectual disability, they believe it should also apply in this instance.
According to police, Horner claimed he mistakenly hit Athena while reversing his truck. He was in the process of delivering a Christmas gift of Barbie dolls when the event took place.
Reportedly, after hitting her, he forced her into his car out of panic, despite her still being alive. The affidavit explains that after learning her name, he attempted to break her neck and then ultimately strangled her in the vehicle because he feared she would disclose the incident to her father. He later guided authorities to where he had left her body.
In the aftermath of Athena’s death, Wise County Sheriff Lane Akin stated that officials were encouraging the district attorney to seek the death penalty.
Athena’s mother, Maitlin Gandy, expressed the profound loss, stating they would never again experience the joy Athena brought, especially during Christmas.
Additionally, CBS 11 reported that Horner’s van had video footage capturing the moment he placed Athena inside the vehicle.
The trial was transferred to Tarrant County, following the defense’s claim that extensive media coverage would hinder Horner’s chances of receiving a fair trial in Wise County.
