Jurors were deeply moved by a distressing video depicting a seven-year-old girl engaging in conversation with a FedEx driver before he committed a heinous act. Tanner Horner, aged 34, abducted Athena Strand from her residence while delivering a package of Barbie toys her parents had purchased for her as a Christmas gift in November 2022. Tragically, Athena was strangled to death by Horner in his van after being taken from her home in Paradise, Texas. The courtroom was overcome with emotion as jurors watched footage of Athena moments before her untimely death.
The heart-wrenching dashcam recording captured Athena asking Horner if he was a kidnapper, repeatedly questioning him throughout their interaction. The video also showed Athena discussing her school and teacher with the driver, displaying increasing fear as Horner halted the vehicle.
The footage was so disturbing that the judge offered individuals in the courtroom the option to leave if they found it too distressing. Judge George Gallagher gave a warning, stating, “If you think you cannot watch it or listen to it, leave now. Now’s your time to get out.” Athena’s parents, Maitlyn Gandy and Jacob Strand, opted to step out when the dashcam footage was played, revealing the moment of Athena’s abduction by Horner.
In the video, Horner arrived at Athena’s residence to deliver packages, with the little girl following closely behind him. Horner then placed Athena inside his delivery van after she stood nearby. When Athena inquired if Horner was a kidnapper, he instructed her to sit down and threatened to harm her if she made any noise. The situation escalated as Horner instructed Athena to remove her shirt, but she bravely refused and requested her mother, prompting emotional cries and screams from Athena.
Horner pleaded guilty to capital murder and aggravated kidnapping charges just hours before his trial was scheduled to commence. The court is now tasked with determining whether Horner will face the death penalty or life imprisonment. According to an arrest warrant, Horner initially claimed that he accidentally struck Athena with his van while making a delivery, leading to her tragic demise. He confessed to placing her in the back of the vehicle before committing the heinous act of strangulation.
During the trial, a chilling image was presented to the court, showing Athena kneeling behind Horner while he drove, shortly before her life was taken.