Tanner Horner, a FedEx driver, pleaded guilty to killing 7-year-old Athena Strand on April 7, 2026. This plea came after a highly emotional trial that revealed disturbing details about the incident.
Athena was killed on November 30, 2022. Horner struck her with his delivery truck while working. After the accident, he claimed he panicked and strangled her out of fear she would tell her father.
Horner faced charges of aggravated kidnapping and capital murder. He was indicted on February 16, 2023. Initially, he pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The jury decided on May 5, 2026, that he would face the death penalty. The prosecution argued that his actions were premeditated, while his defense cited his autism and mental health issues during the trial.
Athena’s body was discovered about 9 miles from her home in Wise County. Over 300 people participated in the search effort for her.
Emotional testimonies from Athena’s teachers and family members highlighted the impact of her loss. Ashley Strand, Athena’s mother, expressed her grief saying, “I lost it.”
Horner’s defense requested a life sentence without parole but ultimately did not succeed.
The case has drawn significant attention due to its tragic nature and the implications of mental health in criminal proceedings.
