Jurors were moved to tears witnessing a heart-wrenching video of a seven-year-old girl interacting with a FedEx driver before he committed the heinous act of taking her life. Tanner Horner, 34, abducted Athena Strand from her residence while delivering a package of Barbie toys her parents had purchased for her during the Christmas season in November 2022. The tragic incident unfolded in Paradise, Texas. The courtroom was filled with emotional turmoil as jurors watched footage of the young girl moments before her untimely death.
The distressing dashcam recording captured Athena inquiring fearfully, “Are you a kidnapper?” repeatedly during her conversation with Horner. The footage also depicted the child talking about her school and teacher while growing more anxious as the driver ceased driving.
The intensity of the video led the judge to offer a warning, advising individuals who found it too distressing to excuse themselves from the courtroom. Judge George Gallagher urged, “If you think you cannot watch it or listen to it, leave now. Now’s your time to get out.” The victim’s parents, Maitlyn Gandy and Jacob Strand, opted to step out when the dashcam footage was presented, detailing the moment Horner took Athena away.
The clip revealed Horner’s arrival at Athena’s residence to deliver packages, with the little girl trailing behind him. Subsequently, he opened his delivery van, picked up Athena, and placed her inside. When questioned by Athena if he was a kidnapper, Horner warned her to remain seated and threatened to harm her if she screamed. The sinister turn of events led to Horner covering the dash camera, leaving only audio recordings. At one point, he complimented Athena, stating, “You’re really pretty. You know that?”
As the van came to a stop, Athena asked, “Is this your house?” to which Horner replied negatively, instructing the child to remove her shirt. Despite her refusal and plea for her mother, Athena was subjected to further distress, crying and screaming in the van.
Horner eventually confessed to capital murder and aggravated kidnapping just hours before his trial commenced. The court is now tasked with determining whether Horner will face the death penalty or life imprisonment. According to an arrest warrant, Horner admitted to accidentally hitting Athena with his van, panicking, and subsequently strangling her after placing her in the vehicle.
During earlier trial proceedings, a disturbing image was revealed, showing Athena kneeling behind Horner in the vehicle shortly before her tragic demise.