Jurors Moved to Tears by Athena Strand’s Heartbreaking Final Moments in Court
Jurors moved to tears during the screening of footage that captured the last known moments of 7-year-old Athena Strand. The girl was kidnapped and killed in 2022 by a FedEx driver, authorities say.
Courtroom screening and reactions
Video shown in court reportedly depicts Athena Strand’s heartbreaking final moments. The clip includes the child asking the driver, “Are you a kidnapper?” and pleading for her mother.
Several family members left during the recording. Jurors reportedly wept as the tape played. A courtroom feed was temporarily disabled to limit exposure to the sensitive material.
What the video reportedly shows
The footage shows the delivery driver arriving at a home in Paradise, near Fort Worth, to drop off a package. Investigators say the driver then lifted the child into his truck and drove away.
At one point, the driver covers his truck’s camera. The recording also captures the child saying no when asked to remove clothing. The clip contains prolonged screams and banging.
Warnings and family response
Judge George Gallagher warned attendees to leave if they could not view graphic evidence, according to Filmogaz.com. Athena Strand’s parents left the courtroom before the recording began.
Prosecutors rested their case after presenting the recording and other evidence. The courtroom proceedings moved into the penalty phase of the trial.
Charges and defendant statements
Thirty-four-year-old Tanner Horner pleaded guilty last week, unexpectedly, shortly before the trial. He led investigators to the site where authorities say he left the child’s body, the arrest warrant states.
Horner told police he accidentally hit the child with his truck and then killed her in a panic, according to court filings. Prosecutors assert that Horner’s account was not truthful and that the only true statement he made was admitting to killing her.
Sentencing options and defense theory
The jury now decides whether Horner will receive the death penalty or life imprisonment. Wise County District Attorney James Stainton urged jurors to weigh the evidence supporting a death sentence.
Defense attorney Steven Goble has asked jurors to impose life in prison. The defense contends Horner has autism and suffered fetal alcohol and lead exposure, along with other mental health issues.
Next steps
The defense is expected to begin presenting arguments next Wednesday. The sentencing phase will determine Horner’s ultimate punishment.
- Victim: Athena Strand, 7 years old
- Defendant: Tanner Horner, 34
- Location: Paradise, near Fort Worth, Wise County
- Crime occurred: 2022
- Trial status: Guilty plea entered; penalty phase underway
