Jurors were overcome with emotion as they viewed a distressing video of a seven-year-old girl speaking with a FedEx driver before he committed the heinous act of murder. Tanner Horner, aged 34, abducted Athena Strand from her residence while delivering a package of Barbie toys her parents had purchased for Christmas in November 2022. The tragic incident took place in Paradise, Texas. Witnesses in the courtroom were deeply moved as they witnessed footage of the young girl moments before her untimely death.
The heart-wrenching dashcam video captured Athena questioning Horner about being a kidnapper, a question she repeated anxiously throughout their conversation. The footage also showed Athena chatting with the driver about her school and teacher, with her fear escalating when Horner stopped the van.
The judge warned spectators in the courtroom about the distressing nature of the video, offering them the opportunity to leave if they found it too difficult to watch. Athena’s parents, Maitlyn Gandy and Jacob Strand, opted to step out during the playback of the dashcam footage. The full video depicted the chilling moment when Horner took the little girl from her home.
Upon arriving at Athena’s residence, Horner proceeded to drop off packages, with Athena trailing him. Subsequently, he placed her inside his delivery van. After Athena inquired if he was a kidnapper, Horner threatened her not to scream and demanded her compliance. The video captured Horner making inappropriate remarks to the child before the audio became the only recording due to the camera being covered.
Horner admitted to the charges of capital murder and aggravated kidnapping just hours before his trial was set to commence. The court is now tasked with deciding whether the perpetrator should receive the death penalty or life imprisonment. According to an arrest warrant, Horner initially claimed that he accidentally hit Athena with his van and then proceeded to strangle her after panicking.
During the trial, a disturbing image was presented showing Athena kneeling behind Horner in the vehicle prior to her tragic demise.
