The trial surrounding Tanner Horner entered its second week as jurors were presented with disturbing letters he allegedly wrote to the family of Athena Strand, the 7-year-old girl he kidnapped and murdered in 2022. The proceedings are now focused on determining whether Horner will receive the death penalty or a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
Horner, a former delivery driver, pled guilty to capital murder and aggravated kidnapping at the outset of the trial. He admitted to abducting Athena while delivering a package to her home on November 30, 2022, and subsequently strangling her.
Trial Highlights
As the day progressed, the judge dismissed jurors early, with testimony set to continue at 9 a.m. on Tuesday. Prosecutors played audio recordings of five phone calls made by Horner from jail, during which he communicated with his mother, grandmother, and girlfriend. Throughout these conversations, Horner displayed a range of emotions, at times looking away from the screen as jurors listened to the intimate and heartbreaking exchanges.
During one call, his mother inquired about the incident. When she asked if Athena had died on her own, Horner replied simply, “No.” His mother expressed her anguish, and Horner reassured her that he had not sexually abused the girl, stating, “I didn’t.” In a separate conversation with his grandmother, he again denied any sexual misconduct and expressed feelings of remorse, attributing his emotional state to a lack of medication.
Medical Testimony
The medical examiner, Dr. Jessica Dwyer, testified about the findings from her autopsy, confirming that Athena died from blunt force injuries, smothering, and strangulation. She noted that there was no evidence of sexual trauma, though she stated that the absence of injuries does not rule out the possibility of a sexual assault. Additionally, she indicated that Athena likely experienced pain before her death.
FBI Agent David Rogers also took the stand, detailing the investigation that led to the recovery of Athena’s body and the collection of evidence from Horner’s van. Jurors were shown letters that Horner wrote prior to a suicide attempt in jail, where he expressed deep sorrow to Athena’s family, acknowledging the profound impact of his actions.
Next Steps in the Trial
As the trial continues, a Wise County crime scene investigator is expected to provide further testimony, shedding light on the letters Horner wrote while incarcerated. Experts anticipate that the focus will transition to Horner’s mental health and background as the jury deliberates on an appropriate punishment.
In the first week of the trial, jurors were presented with extensive police body camera footage and interrogation tapes, including Horner’s bizarre claims about an alter ego named “Zero,” who he alleged was responsible for the crime. The jury viewed footage of Horner asking investigators to release him so he could spend Christmas with his family, promising to reveal everything in return.
Background of the Case
Horner was charged with capital murder following the tragic death of Athena Strand, who was reported missing before an Amber Alert was issued. The young girl was discovered deceased in Boyd, Texas, after a prolonged search effort. Allegedly, Horner’s initial account of the incident involved a claim that he accidentally hit Athena with his delivery van, which he later retracted.
In response to Athena’s case, Texas lawmakers enacted the ‘Athena Alert,’ allowing for the issuance of Amber Alerts under expanded circumstances, even when a child’s kidnapping is not yet confirmed. This legislative change aims to facilitate faster responses in similar cases moving forward.
