A Tarrant County jury in Texas sentenced former FedEx delivery driver Tanner Horner to death on May 5, 2026, for the kidnapping and murder of 7-year-old Athena Strand in November 2022.

Horner, 34 (now 35), pleaded guilty to capital murder and aggravated kidnapping just before his trial began last month. The case then moved directly into the punishment phase, where jurors heard weeks of emotional testimony, graphic evidence, and arguments for and against the death penalty.

The Crime
On November 30, 2022, Horner was delivering a package containing Christmas gifts — including “You Can Be Anything” Barbies intended for Athena — to her father’s home in rural Wise County, Texas. According to authorities and his own statements, Horner accidentally struck the child with his delivery van while backing out of the driveway.

He told investigators that Athena did not appear seriously injured, but he panicked. Horner abducted her, placed her in his van, and later strangled her. Her body was found two days later, about nine miles from her home. Horner was tracked down through digital evidence.

Sentencing Phase and Verdict
Prosecutors presented heart-wrenching testimony from Athena’s parents and family members. The jury also viewed graphic video and audio from Strand’s final moments. In closing arguments, Wise County District Attorney James Stainton urged the death penalty as the only just outcome.

The defense called expert witnesses to testify about Horner’s mental health, autism spectrum disorder, medical history, and difficult childhood. His mother and grandmother also spoke on his behalf, arguing for a life sentence without parole.

After deliberating for just over two hours, the jury unanimously found that Horner posed a continuing threat to society and that there were no sufficient mitigating circumstances to warrant life in prison. Judge George Gallagher formally sentenced him to death by lethal injection. Horner showed no visible emotion as the verdict was read.

Victim Impact Statement
Athena’s uncle, Elijah Strand, delivered an emotional impact statement on behalf of the family:

“There are no words that truly capture the devastation that Tanner Horner caused us… He did not just take a life; he destroyed a family… You will face the wrath of God.”
He emphasized that Athena’s memory would endure while Horner would be forgotten.

Next Steps
Horner will remain in Tarrant County custody before being transferred to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice in Huntsville. His sentence will automatically be appealed to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. Defense attorneys have also filed motions seeking a new trial, citing issues like media coverage.

Athena Strand, remembered as a joyful, free-spirited girl with big dreams, was taken far too soon. Her family expressed relief and a sense of justice following the verdict.

Main Sources: CBS Texas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Morning News, and court proceedings.