Tanner Horner, a former FedEx driver, has pleaded guilty to the murder of 7-year-old Athena Strand in November 2022. Jurors are now deciding whether to sentence him to life in prison or the death penalty. Horner admitted to abducting and strangling Athena while delivering a Christmas package to her home in Paradise, Texas. Prosecutors presented evidence, including photos of his FedEx truck and crime scene details, to support their case.
Athena was last seen on November 30, 2022, after arguing with her stepmother, Elizabeth Strand. She was expected to receive a Barbie doll delivery that day. When she did not return, a search was launched, and investigators later focused on Horner after finding Athena’s clothing in his home. Horner initially claimed the death was accidental but later confessed to strangling her.
Crime scene investigators testified that markings on Athena’s face matched the pattern of the truck’s floor, which was removed for evidence. Prosecutors described Horner as calculating and remorseless, citing his threat to Athena not to scream. The jury’s decision will determine Horner’s fate in the case.