Former FedEx Driver Pleads Guilty to Killing 7-Year-Old Athena Strand
Key Takeaways
- Tanner Horner pleaded guilty to capital murder in Athena Strand's death.
- Guilty plea occurred moments before trial in Fort Worth, Texas.
- Prosecutors seek the death penalty; the case involves kidnapping and 2022 death of a 7-year-old.
Guilty Plea
Horner pleaded guilty moments before his trial was set to begin.
The plea skipped the guilt phase and sent the case to punishment where a jury will decide death or life without parole.
Horner admitted to abducting Athena while delivering a Christmas package.
His body was found less than 10 miles from the property.
Prosecutors described a web of lies, with Horner saying he strangled her after accidentally hitting her with the van.
Evidence and Testimony
Prosecutors presented a black-and-white image showing Athena standing behind Horner in the van.
Audio recordings captured what happened inside the van.
The jury was told about the level of fight Athena had facing certain death.
FBI Agent McGuire testified about how they tracked Horner.
The defense began urging jurors to choose life without parole.
Emotional Testimony
Athena's stepmother took the witness stand and grew emotional.
The judge warned the trial would include graphic testimony and video.
The community's pain was palpable nearly four years after Athena's death.
The trial faced delays but was now moving forward with extensive media coverage.
Both sides geared up for a sentencing phase.
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