A FedEx driver, Tanner Horner, was arrested for the murder of a seven-year-old girl, Athena Strand, whom he abducted while delivering a package of Barbie toys to her home in November 2022. Horner was reportedly heard singing ‘Jingle Bell Rock’ as he committed the heinous act. The tragic incident took place in Paradise, Texas, where Athena was strangled to death inside Horner’s van.
Footage from the van’s dashcam revealed the chilling moments leading up to the abduction. Athena questioned Horner as he picked her up and placed her inside the vehicle, asking if he was a kidnapper. A disturbing image presented in court showed the girl kneeling behind Horner in the van as he drove her away from her family.
Despite attempting to cover the camera, the audio captured Horner singing along to “Jingle Bell Rock” while Athena screamed in pain. Horner threatened the girl, telling her to be quiet or face more harm. The disturbing recording also captured Horner making inappropriate comments to Athena before the tragic events unfolded.
Horner confessed to one count of capital murder and aggravated kidnapping just before his trial was set to commence. The court will determine whether Horner will face the death penalty or life imprisonment for his crimes. According to an arrest warrant, Horner initially claimed he accidentally hit Athena with his van and later admitted to strangling her after panicking.
The heart-wrenching case has left Athena’s parents devastated, with reports indicating they left the courtroom before the distressing video evidence was played. The community awaits the court’s decision on the fate of the driver responsible for this senseless tragedy.