A jury in Tarrant County has sentenced Tanner Horner to death for the kidnapping and murder of 7-year-old Athena Strand, an incident that occurred in 2022. The verdict was delivered on Tuesday.
Horner admitted his guilt just before his trial commenced last month. Following his plea, the judge initiated the sentencing phase of the trial, during which the jury was presented with emotionally charged testimonies and disturbing video and audio recordings detailing Strand’s final moments. Prosecutors aimed to persuade the jury to impose the death penalty.
The emotional testimonies included statements from both of Strand’s parents, who shared their profound grief.
After the prosecution concluded its arguments, the defense sought to prevent Horner from facing execution. They called a variety of expert witnesses to discuss Horner’s mental health and medical background, and his mother and grandmother also provided insights into his upbringing.
The defense concluded its case on Monday.
During the closing arguments on Tuesday morning, Wise County District Attorney James Stainton asserted that the appropriate resolution for the case was the death penalty. In contrast, Horner’s defense team argued for a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
The jury deliberated for over two hours before reaching a verdict.
Following the announcement of the verdict, the judge stated that Horner would remain in custody at the Tarrant County jail until he is transferred to the Texas Department of Corrections in Huntsville.
Elijah Strand, the uncle of Athena and brother to her father, delivered a poignant impact statement on behalf of the family. With tears in his eyes, he expressed the profound loss caused by Horner’s actions, stating, “There are no words that truly capture the devastation that Tanner Horner caused us.”
Elijah emphasized that Horner didn’t just take a child, but also a granddaughter, sister, niece, cousin, and friend. “She had dreams she will never get to chase, birthdays she will never celebrate, a life she will never live, all because of his actions,” he said while directing his gaze at Horner.
He lamented the loss of safety within his family, mentioning their fear of allowing children to play outside. “He robbed us of safety, peace, and trust in the world, forever altering who we are as a family,” Elijah stated, maintaining eye contact with Horner.
Elijah Strand then conveyed a direct message to Horner: “You did not just take a life; you destroyed a family. You took a little girl who trusted the world and repaid that innocence with violence. You chose to inflict pain that will echo through generations. You claim to have found God, but your actions towards Athena are in stark contradiction to those beliefs,” he remarked.
Concluding his statement, Elijah quoted scripture and reminded Horner that he would face divine judgment. “You will face the wrath of God,” he declared. “You are merely a footnote in Athena’s story. Her name will forever be remembered and celebrated, while you will be forgotten.”
According to an arrest affidavit, Horner, who was employed as a FedEx delivery driver, arrived at Strand’s residence on November 30, 2022, to deliver a package containing a Christmas gift. Investigators reported that Horner accidentally struck Athena with his truck while reversing out of the driveway.
Authorities noted that Horner claimed Athena did not appear to be severely injured, but in a state of panic, he placed her into his van and strangled her, fearing she would disclose the incident to her father.
Digital evidence ultimately led to Horner’s apprehension. Two days later, Athena Strand’s body was discovered approximately nine miles from her home, southeast of Boyd.
