In a horrific incident, a FedEx driver, identified as Tanner Horner, was found guilty of brutally murdering a seven-year-old girl named Athena Strand. The heart-wrenching event unfolded as Horner sang a Christmas song while the child cried out in pain and terror. The tragic incident occurred in November 2022 when Horner abducted Athena from her home in Texas while delivering a package of Barbie toys purchased by her parents for Christmas.
The court revealed disturbing details from a video captured by Horner’s van’s dashcam, where the audio recorded the moment he fatally strangled Athena. The chilling footage began with Horner’s arrival at the girl’s residence to drop off packages, with Athena trailing behind. Subsequently, Horner grabbed Athena and placed her inside his delivery van, to which the frightened girl questioned his intentions, asking if he was a kidnapper.
During the journey, a haunting image presented in court depicted Athena kneeling behind Horner in the vehicle as he drove her away from her family. Despite Horner’s attempt to conceal the camera, the audio continued to capture the unfolding tragedy. Approximately 30 minutes into the footage, the radio played “Jingle Bell Rock,” to which Horner callously sang along as Athena cried out in agony.
The distressing recording showcased Athena’s pleas for mercy as Horner threatened her, causing her further distress. Despite the girl’s resistance and pleas to see her mother, the ordeal ended tragically as Horner admitted to the charges of capital murder and aggravated kidnapping shortly before his trial commenced. The court now faces the decision of whether Horner will receive the death penalty or life imprisonment for his heinous crimes.
According to an arrest warrant, Horner initially claimed that he accidentally hit Athena with his van during a delivery, leading to a panicked response where he proceeded to strangle her.