TEXAS JURY SENTENCES FORMER FEDEX DRIVER TO DEATH FOR MURDER OF 7-YEAR-OLD ATHENA STRAND

A Texas jury has sentenced former FedEx driver Tanner Horner to death for the 2022 kidnapping and murder of 7-year-old Athena Strand after just a few hours of deliberation.

Horner pleaded guilty to abducting Athena while delivering a package to her family’s home in Paradise, Texas. Prosecutors revealed chilling evidence during the trial, including audio and video from inside the delivery truck capturing some of the little girl’s final moments.

The case shocked the country when investigators said Athena was taken from her driveway after a Christmas package delivery. Her body was later discovered in a creek two days after she disappeared.

During emotional victim impact statements, members of Athena’s family told Horner that he would “face the wrath of God” for what he had done. Prosecutors argued the brutality of the crime and Horner’s actions afterward showed he remained a continuing threat to society.

The defense attempted to avoid the death penalty by pointing to alleged mental health issues and autism spectrum diagnoses, but jurors ultimately rejected those arguments and handed down the death sentence. Under Texas law, the case now enters the automatic appeals process.

While today’s verdict brings a chapter of justice, nothing can undo the loss suffered by Athena Strand’s family. Please continue keeping them in your prayers.