TANNER HORNER SENTENCED TO DEATH FOR THE MURDER OF 7-YEAR-OLD ATHENA STRAND

FORT WORTH, Texas (Court TV) — In a gripping and emotional conclusion to the trial of Tanner Lynn Horner, the 35-year-old man who confessed to killing 7-year-old Athena Strand, a jury has sentenced him to death. Horner, who pleaded guilty to aggravated kidnapping and capital murder, now faces the ultimate punishment after the jury deliberated for less than three hours.

The sentencing followed 16 days of harrowing evidence, presented to the jury, detailing the brutal crime that shocked the community. After Horner’s confession, the jury was tasked with determining whether he would spend life in prison or be sentenced to death. They unanimously concluded that Horner posed a continuing threat to society, finding no mitigating circumstances that could save his life.

A Heartbreaking Crime

On November 30, 2022, Athena Strand was abducted from outside her home while playing. Horner, a FedEx contractor, was the last person seen with her. Initially, Horner claimed he accidentally hit Athena with his van, but his various versions of the story were proven to be false.

During the trial, disturbing surveillance footage was presented, showing Athena inside Horner’s FedEx van. Prosecutors revealed that, while Horner disabled the van’s camera, the vehicle’s microphone captured incriminating audio. “You’re pretty. Take off your shirt. Take off your clothes,” Horner was heard saying to Athena. Although Horner was not charged with sexual assault, prosecutors revealed DNA evidence found on Athena’s underwear, further deepening the horror of the crime.

The Emotional Courtroom Moments

The case also featured intense emotional moments. Athena’s uncle, Elijah Strand, addressed Horner directly after the verdict was announced, expressing his anger and grief. “You will be judged. You will face the wrath of God,” he said. “You are nothing. You are a footnote in Athena’s story. Her name will forever be remembered. Her name will forever be celebrated and everyone will forget you.”

Horner’s defense team attempted to use his difficult childhood and diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder as mitigating factors in a bid to save his life. However, the prosecution swiftly rejected this argument, emphasizing that many people with similar disabilities live productive lives and do not resort to criminal behavior. “Thousands of people in the world have disabilities,” the prosecutor argued. “But the one thing they never do is use it as a crutch.”

Moving Forward

Following the death sentence, Horner confirmed his desire to have an appellate attorney appointed to represent him. Judge George Gallagher acknowledged Horner’s request, and the defendant was then led out of the courtroom.

As the case draws to a close, Athena Strand’s family, friends, and the community are left to cope with the tragic loss of a young girl whose life was stolen far too soon. Horner’s death sentence marks the end of one chapter in the case, but for the Strand family, the emotional and psychological aftermath of this brutal crime will remain with them forever.