Jurors were visibly moved as a heart-wrenching video was presented to them, showing a seven-year-old girl interacting with a FedEx driver before he tragically took her life.
Tanner Horner, aged 34, abducted Athena Strand from her residence while delivering a package of Barbie toys her parents had purchased for her as a Christmas gift in November 2022. The horrific incident took place in Paradise, Texas. The jury was emotionally overwhelmed in court as they watched footage of the young girl moments before her untimely death.
Disturbing dashcam footage captured Athena questioning Horner, asking him, “Are you a kidnapper?” She repeatedly voiced her fear throughout the video. The footage also showed Athena engaging in innocent conversation with the driver about her school and teacher, visibly growing more anxious when the van came to a stop.
The distressing nature of the video prompted the judge to offer individuals in the courtroom the option to leave if they found the content too difficult to watch. The parents of the victim, Maitlyn Gandy and Jacob Strand, chose to step out during the screening of the dashcam footage, which depicted the moment of Athena’s abduction.
In the footage, Horner was seen delivering packages to the girl’s home, with Athena following closely behind. He then proceeded to lift her and place her inside his delivery van. After Athena’s inquiry about his intentions, Horner threatened her and proceeded to cover the dash camera, leaving only audio recording.
Horner, who confessed to capital murder and aggravated kidnapping just hours before his trial was set to commence, faces the possibility of the death penalty or life imprisonment. According to an arrest warrant, Horner initially claimed he accidentally hit Athena with his van while delivering a package, leading to a panicked course of action that tragically ended in her death.
During earlier court proceedings, a disturbing image was shown, depicting Athena kneeling behind Horner as he drove, shortly before the fatal incident occurred.