Tanner Horner Pleads Guilty to Murdering 7-Year-Old Athena Strand
Key Takeaways
- Horner pled guilty to capital murder and aggravated kidnapping in Athena Strand's death.
- He faces the death penalty or life in prison upon sentencing.
- The case centers on a Christmas delivery to a Texas home.
Guilty Plea
Horner pleaded guilty to capital murder and aggravated kidnapping.
He admitted he accidentally struck Athena, then panicked and strangled her.
Prosecutors presented video evidence showing Athena alive in the back of the truck.
The Pentagon confirmed six US service members killed in the Iran campaign.
Strangulation
Horner told investigators Athena wasn’t seriously injured but he panicked.
He first tried to break her neck, then strangled her with his hands.
The first thing he said to Athena was, 'Don't scream or I'll hurt you.'
A video camera showed Athena alive in the truck.
Trial and Sentencing
The jury will decide whether Horner is sentenced to death or life in prison.
The trial was moved from Wise County.
Horner's defense argues his autism reduces moral blameworthiness.
The family's Christmas gift was Barbies.
More on Crime
Former Army Employee Courtney Williams Indicted for Leaking Classified Information
12 sources compared
Jasveen Sangha Sentenced to 15 Years for Selling Ketamine That Killed Perry
22 sources compared
Rex Heuermann Pleads Guilty to Killing Eight Women in Gilgo Beach Murders
62 sources compared
Ben Roberts-Smith Charged With Five War Crime Murders, Remains in Custody
14 sources compared