The crime unfolded in November 2022 when Athena Strand, a seven-year-old living in Paradise, Texas, with her father and stepmother, was expecting a Christmas delivery of Barbie dolls. Tanner Horner was the FedEx driver assigned to deliver the package. According to Daily Mail - News, Tanner Horner described telling Athena 'Don't scream or I'll hurt you' before abducting her.
Athena's stepmother, Elizabeth Strand, reported her missing after looking for her at 6:30 PM. A Walmart parcel was found dropped in front of an abandoned trailer on the property, and a massive 72-hour search involving over 200 community members commenced but failed to locate the girl. Investigators subsequently focused their attention on Horner as a person of interest.
Don't scream or I'll hurt you.
A SWAT team search of Horner's home uncovered Athena's clothing. Horner confessed to killing Athena Strand, though his account evolved. He initially claimed he accidentally hit Athena with his van, but later admitted she was alive after the incident and he panicked, fearing job loss. This confession set the stage for the discovery of her body.
Horner stated he dumped Athena's body near a river about nine miles from her home. However, he first led Texas Rangers on a false search before revealing the true location at Bobo's Crossing. Athena's body was found on December 2, 2022. A former sheriff reported that her nude body was discovered in an area of the Trinity River called Bobo Crossing, about 13 miles from her home by car, indicating a discrepancy in the reported distance that affects the understanding of the crime's logistics.
Just get in the back of the van, we're going to go to the hospital.
Prosecutors presented grisly evidence at the sentencing trial, which was so disturbing it caused a TV station to pause its broadcast. Athena was naked when found, with DNA evidence of sexual assault. Prosecutors have indicated there is DNA evidence of sexual assault. Evidence included audio and video of the strangulation from Horner's truck, where straps and bodily fluids were also found. A crime scene investigator testified that marks on Athena's face were consistent with the van floor.
On the eve of his trial, more than three years after Athena's death, Horner pleaded guilty to capital murder in a Tarrant County courthouse on Tuesday morning. He is now facing a sentencing trial to determine whether he will receive the death penalty or life imprisonment. Tanner Horner is a former delivery driver accused of kidnapping and strangling Athena Strand after hitting her with his van in 2022.
Where are you taking me?
Disturbing details emerged from video and audio evidence presented in court. Horner covered a camera in the truck, but a microphone captured audio. According to Daily Mail - News, Tanner Horner described telling Athena 'Just get in the back of the van, we're going to go to the hospital' before strangling her. According to Daily Mail - News, Athena Strand described asking 'Where are you taking me?' and 'Are you a kidnapper?' in the video. Multiple reports indicate Horner told Athena to remove her shirt in the video, and he sang 'Jingle Bell Rock' while strangling her.
Horner's defense claims included an assertion by Horner that an alter-ego named 'Zero' killed Athena. Horner's attorney cited mental illness, autism, and lead exposure in defense, though the specific nature of any mental health diagnosis and how it formally relates to the legal defense remains unclear. The validity of the alter-ego claim as part of a psychological defense or a personal assertion is also an open question.
Are you a kidnapper?
The FBI investigation into the case revealed Horner's initial attempts at deception. FBI Special Agent Patrick McGuire testified that it's common for local agencies to request FBI help with missing child or kidnapping investigations. He was assigned to investigate the package delivered to Athena's home around the time she disappeared. According to FBI Special Agent Patrick McGuire, he had initial phone conversations with Horner, who said he didn't remember making a delivery at Athena's home. After agents tracked Horner down in person, he admitted he did recall the delivery, claiming he saw a green van leaving the family's driveway and then went home sick. According to FBI Special Agent Patrick McGuire, he warned law enforcement to look for a green Chevy Astro van, which he now believes never existed. A few days later, dash camera video from Horner's truck showed him placing a small girl into the back of his FedEx van.
Trial proceedings included detailed law enforcement testimony. Jurors took a lunch break, and the trial resumed at 1:45 p.m. Testimony wrapped up for the day at 2:35 p.m., and the trial will resume at 9 a.m. on Wednesday. Wise County's former sheriff, Lane Akin, testified about his career experience with missing persons cases and initial steps taken in Athena's case. He described the community search effort, noting that on Dec. 1, citizens from all parts of Wise County helped search for Athena, working shoulder to shoulder with deputies, investigators, and game wardens. In a press conference, Akin reflected, "It was heartbreaking."
It was heartbreaking.
Key unknowns persist as the sentencing phase continues. The exact timeline and circumstances of the sexual assault remain unclear, as DNA evidence is indicated but specific details are sparse. Furthermore, the methods used to obtain and authenticate the dash camera video and audio evidence for trial have not been fully disclosed. The outcome of the sentencing trial is pending, with the jury to decide between the death penalty and life imprisonment for Horner.