The death penalty has been imposed on Tanner Horner, the FedEx driver who abducted and murdered a 7-year-old girl in a shocking incident.
Horner, 34, was on a delivery route at Athena Strand’s residence in Paradise, Texas, when he forcibly took her from her home in his delivery truck.
Athena bravely struggled against Horner inside the vehicle before he tragically ended her life.
Having pleaded guilty to capital murder and aggravated kidnapping on April 7, Horner awaited the jury’s decision on his fate.
Following a deliberation of two hours and 50 minutes, the jury reached the verdict to sentence Horner to death.
Upon hearing the ruling on May 5, Horner displayed no visible emotion.
After the sentencing, Athena’s uncle Elijah Strand directly addressed Horner, asserting that he holds no significance and will be overshadowed by Athena’s enduring memory.
Describing the profound impact of Athena’s loss on their family, Strand lamented the void left by her absence and the perpetual grief they now carry.
In court, Wise County District Attorney James Stainton commended Athena’s resilience, portraying her as a valiant fighter in the face of tragedy.
Stainton emphasized Horner’s heinous actions and the necessity of the death penalty to address such evil in society, underscoring the gravity of the crime committed.
Horner is set to be relocated to the Allan B. Polunsky Unit in West Livingston, Texas, where other death row inmates are housed.
During the trial, distressing evidence and testimonies, including details of Athena’s final moments and the nature of her tragic death, were presented to the jury.
While Horner initially claimed the death was accidental, forensic analysis revealed damning evidence contradicting his account, leading to the harsh verdict.
The medical examiner’s report confirmed the cause of Athena’s death as blunt force injuries, smothering, and strangulation, with no signs of sexual assault.
Despite Horner’s attempts to deceive, the evidence presented during the trial exposed the truth behind Athena’s tragic end and the devastating impact on her loved ones.
At Reach