Tanner Horner Trial: Male DNA Found on Athena, Assault Survivors Testify
The punishment phase of the Tanner Horner trial entered its sixth day in Fort Worth. A jury will decide between the death penalty and life without parole.
Forensic and DNA evidence
Forensic analyst Jacqueline Ferrara testified about DNA findings. She said male DNA was detected on swabs from Athena Strand’s sexual assault kit.
Investigators also found blood and semen on a FedEx shirt. Semen was detected on a hoodie, jeans, and underwear linked to Horner.
Athena’s fingernail clippings tested presumptively positive for blood. Ferrara told jurors she could not determine how old the DNA on the clothing was.
Autopsy and recovery
Dr. Jessica Dwyer conducted Athena’s autopsy. She concluded the child died from blunt force injuries, smothering, and strangulation.
Dwyer testified that Athena likely suffered before death. She explained a lack of visible sexual trauma does not eliminate the possibility of assault.
FBI Agent David Rogers described the recovery of Athena’s body from the Trinity River. He also testified about evidence collected from Horner’s van.
Digital evidence, writings and jail calls
An FBI digital examiner recovered data from Horner’s cellphone. Searches from Dec. 1 included phrases about a missing girl and FedEx truck cameras.
The examiner said no child pornography was located on the device. Jurors also heard letters Horner wrote while jailed.
One letter apologized and blamed a mental breakdown tied to delivery-route changes. Another note sought to shift blame to an unidentified man armed with a rifle.
Prosecutors played jailhouse phone calls. In one recording, Horner replied “No” when asked if Athena died on her own.
Assault survivors testify
Multiple women testified about alleged sexual assaults by Horner when they were minors. One said incidents occurred in 2013 and 2014 when she was 16.
Witnesses described alcohol and drug use surrounding the encounters. One accused him of asking her to lie about her age.
On cross-examination, a witness acknowledged telling police she had described the encounter as consensual. She also noted she was a minor and could not legally consent.
The judge allowed one accuser to testify with her face blurred. Survivors said they felt shame and guilt for not reporting sooner.
Courtroom footage and testimonies
Earlier testimony included interrogation videos and police interviews. Horner previously told investigators he had an alter ego he called “Zero.”
In those interviews, Horner said he dumped clothing along a highway and at times spoke as “Zero.” A Texas Rangers sergeant described changes in Horner’s demeanor.
Wise County Constable Kevin Huffman testified about surveillance of a package delivery the day before Athena went missing. His two young daughters were playing outside at that time.
Background and legal aftermath
Horner pleaded guilty to capital murder and aggravated kidnapping. He admitted kidnapping 7-year-old Athena on Nov. 30, 2022.
Horner told investigators he initially struck Athena with his van, then panicked and kidnapped her. He later admitted strangling her.
An Amber Alert prompted a 72-hour search. Athena’s body was found in Boyd, Texas, near her family’s home.
Lawmakers later approved the “Athena Alert” change. The law lets authorities issue an Amber Alert without meeting every original criteria.
Coverage of the trial continues on Filmogaz.com. Testimony is scheduled to resume the following morning.
