A judge has rejected the defense’s plea to postpone the capital murder trial of former FedEx driver Tanner Horner, who is accused of kidnapping and murdering 7-year-old Athena Strand in 2022 after allegedly striking her with his truck. The trial is set to commence in April, with prosecutors pursuing the death penalty.
In Wise County, Texas, the judge’s decision came during the initial session of several pretrial hearings for Horner’s case. These hearings are anticipated to continue over the next two weeks, as both the prosecution and defense prepare to examine the evidence and witness testimonies that will be presented during the trial.
During the hearing, Judge George Gallagher denied the defense’s request for a trial delay but indicated he might reconsider the motion later. He also agreed to review six hours of recorded interviews to make a ruling on a defense request to suppress portions of that evidence. Meanwhile, prosecutors have narrowed their witness list from 100 to 60 individuals.
The background of the case reveals that Horner is facing charges of capital murder in connection with the death of Athena Strand in December 2022. Police reports indicate that Horner confessed to unintentionally hitting the young girl with his delivery vehicle at her family’s home. In a state of panic, he reportedly admitted to killing her, with her remains being discovered two days later along a roadside.
Horner has pleaded not guilty to the charges of capital murder and kidnapping. According to Wise County Sheriff Lane Akin, the prosecution is planning to seek the death penalty in this case.
As the trial date approaches, legal expert Toby Shook, a criminal defense attorney not involved in this case, expressed his insights on the trial’s potential dynamics. He noted that the emotional weight of the allegations will significantly influence the prosecution’s approach. “This case will evoke strong emotions, as it involves the murder of an innocent child. Such a tragedy is deeply distressing, not only for the community but also for jurors,” Shook observed. “The murder of a child is always horrific, and the nature of this crime—strangulation—makes it even more unsettling, as it requires close physical proximity to the victim.”
Overall, the upcoming trial is poised to be a highly charged and emotional event, reflecting the serious allegations surrounding Tanner Horner’s actions.
