Horner Pleads Guilty in Athena Strand Murder Case

Tanner Horner, a former FedEx driver, pleaded guilty to capital murder and aggravated kidnapping in the 2022 death of Athena Strand. The abrupt plea ended what was expected to be an emotional trial, shifting focus to the sentencing phase where jurors will decide if Horner faces the death penalty or life imprisonment.

According to multiple reports, Horner was delivering a Christmas present to Strand's home in Paradise when he allegedly accidentally struck her with his van while backing up. Panicked that she would tell her father what happened, Horner then strangled Athena inside the van and dumped her body about 9 miles away from her home.

Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty, arguing that Horner's actions were premeditated. They plan to present graphic evidence, including video and audio recordings captured by a microphone in Horner's vehicle after he covered an internal camera. Wise County District Attorney James Stainton told jurors they would hear 'what a 250-pound man can do to a 67-pound child' and that it was horrible.

The defense team is highlighting Horner's physical and mental illnesses, including a diagnosis of Asperger syndrome at a young age and exposure to lead during his developmental years. The jury will hear opening statements and evidence before determining Horner's sentence. In newly revealed bodycam footage from the investigation, Horner told police he 'kind of tossed her' into the woods when first apprehended by investigators.

In addition to these details, haunting body camera footage shown in court reveals Horner flipping between alter ego personalities during his interrogation. The footage captures disturbing statements made by Horner about discarding Athena's clothing, which he described as 'funny'. Prosecutors have also revealed that DNA evidence suggests possible sexual assault, with Horner's DNA found under Athena's fingernails and in other inappropriate locations.

Defense attorney Lindsay Thompson argued that Horner should be spared from the death penalty due to his mental health issues and acceptance of responsibility. However, prosecutors are painting Horner as a violent and calculating killer, citing evidence of premeditation and threats made to Athena during her abduction. The jury's decision will ultimately determine whether Horner receives the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole.

Testimony on Day 3 of Tanner Horner's capital murder trial provided new details about how investigators found Athena Strand, including testimony that she was found unclothed and that her clothing was later recovered in Horner's backpack. Investigators used cell data to pinpoint locations and recovered out-of-state video from the FedEx vehicle contracting company. Prosecutors also examined Horner's home and personal life, revealing that he lived with his fiancée in a shed near his mother and grandmother's main home.

Horner attempted self-harm in jail and tried to hang himself while in custody. He referenced prior suicidal ideations and at one point asked investigators to shoot him. Horner also attempted to 'cut a deal' with investigators, offering information in exchange for an ankle monitor and spending Christmas with his family. Investigators told him no promises or guarantees could be made.