Trial of Former FedEx Driver Accused of Killing 7-Year-Old

During the ongoing trial of Tanner Horner, who faces charges related to the murder of 7-year-old Athena Strand, an expert provided testimony about the investigation into whether the FedEx truck’s camera was continuously recording after the incident.

Things kicked off in the second week of the trial with Scott Morris, a digital forensics investigator from the FBI, revealing critical details regarding Horner’s phone activity on December 1. This included searches that raised eyebrows, like “missing girl in paradise” and “do FedEx truck cameras always record?”

Horner, now 34, has admitted to the crime, which took place in Tarrant County, Texas, after he allegedly hit Athena with his van, leading to her kidnapping and strangulation.

In court on Monday, coroner Dr. Jessica Dwyer indicated that the cause of death was blunt force trauma, asphyxia, and strangulation. Under questioning, she suggested that Athena likely experienced suffering prior to her death. Dwyer noted the absence of physical evidence of sexual assault but mentioned that this doesn’t discount the possibility of such an incident occurring.

Phone calls were played in court that highlighted conversations between Horner and his family. At one point, his mother asked, “What did she do? Did she die by herself?” to which Horner simply replied, “No.” It’s heartbreaking to hear how his mother reacted, exclaiming, “Oh my god,” to which he responded, “I know.” The dialogue grew more concerned when his mother inquired about potential abuse, and Horner assured her that he hadn’t harmed Athena in that way. He even claimed that medication had diminished his sex drive.

In conversations with his grandmother, he expressed some regret, citing emotional challenges stemming from not taking his medication. “Why wouldn’t I?” he said when asked if he regretted his actions.

Earlier in the trial, it was revealed that Horner admitted to kidnapping Athena while delivering a package—a box of Barbie dolls for Christmas—near her father’s home. The little girl had been staying there with her family in Wise County, planning to return to Oklahoma after the holidays. Just two days after being reported missing, her body was found close to the home.

Horner has stated that after accidentally hitting Athena while reversing his van, he panicked and decided to take her. This led to her untimely disappearance and the subsequent search that prompted an Amber Alert.