A Texas jury sentenced former FedEx driver Tanner Horner to death for the 2022 kidnapping and murder of 7-year-old Athena Strand, capping an emotional, weeks-long trial in Tarrant County.
Horner, now 34, had already pleaded guilty to capital murder before the trial began. After hearing evidence and testimony, jurors determined he posed a continuing threat to society and that no mitigating factors justified a sentence of life without parole.
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Prosecutors said Horner struck Athena with his delivery van while backing out of her family’s driveway as he dropped off a package containing a Christmas gift. According to an arrest affidavit, he told investigators the girl did not appear seriously hurt, but he panicked, abducted her, and later strangled her out of fear she would tell her father. Her body was found two days later, about nine miles from her home.
During the trial, jurors were shown graphic video evidence of the abduction and Athena’s final moments, and heard emotional testimony from both of her parents.
Horner’s attorney, Steven Goble, acknowledged the brutality of the crime, telling jurors the evidence was “overwhelming” and “terrible.” He urged them to spare Horner’s life, citing a troubled upbringing, including prenatal alcohol exposure, autism, and other mental health issues.
Jurors ultimately rejected that argument.
After the verdict was read, the judge said Horner will remain in Tarrant County custody until he is transferred to the Texas Department of Corrections in Huntsville.
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Athena’s mother, Maitlyn Gandy, had earlier described the depth of her loss after her daughter’s body was discovered.
“I will never see her bright blue eyes or her ornery smile again,” Gandy said. “I will never be able to hear her say, ‘I love you, Mommy.’ I will never be able to do her hair again or to hold her while she sleeps.” Gandy said at a news conference.
