FedEx Driver Pleads Guilty to Killing 7-Year-Old Athena Strand in Texas
Key Takeaways
- Tanner Horner pleaded guilty to capital murder in Athena Strand's 2022 death.
- He faces the death penalty or life in prison.
- Abduction followed a Christmas delivery. Strand was killed in Fort Worth, Texas.
Guilty Plea and Trial
Tanner Horner pleaded guilty just moments before his trial began.
“A highly publicized and emotional capital murder trial is underway in Tarrant County”
He still faces the death penalty as the punishment phase begins.
Horner was delivering a Christmas gift when he accidentally struck Athena.
He panicked, placed her in his van, and strangled her.
Her body was found about 9 miles away two days later.
Prosecutors Describe Lies and Evidence
The only truthful thing Horner told was that he killed her.
The jury was shown an image of Athena alive inside the delivery truck.
The scenario Horner told authorities is an absolute lie.
He threatened Athena not to scream.
The jury will hear graphic evidence of the attack.
Details of the Abduction and Killing
Horner was delivering Barbie dolls as a Christmas present.
He strangled Athena after accidentally hitting her.
The trial was moved from Wise County to Fort Worth.
The case shocked the community.
Community Impact and Next Steps
The case drew nationwide attention.
The jury was poised to begin the punishment phase.
Athena was set to return to Oklahoma with her mother.
The community grappled with the horror.
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