After 3 Years, FedEx Driver Pleads Guilty to Strangling 7-Year-Old Athena Strand
What Happened to Athena Strand
Athena Strand was a 7-year-old girl. She lived in Paradise, Texas (Wise County). On November 30, 2022, a FedEx driver made a delivery at her home. The driver, Tanner Horner, hit her with his van while backing up. Instead of helping her, he panicked. He put her in his delivery van, kidnapped her, and later strangled her. He dumped her body near a river. Athena was found dead a few days later.
The Killer: Tanner Horner
Tanner Horner was a former FedEx delivery driver. He is now 35 years old. Police say he admitted to kidnapping and strangling Athena after the accident. He was arrested and charged with capital murder (murder of a child under 10) and aggravated kidnapping.
Latest Trial Updates (April 2026)
The capital murder trial started on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 in Tarrant County, Texas. Just as the trial began, Tanner Horner surprised everyone. He pleaded guilty to capital murder and aggravated kidnapping. Because he pleaded guilty, the jury does not need to decide if he did the crime. The trial has now moved directly to the punishment phase (sentencing phase).
What Happens Next
The jury will now decide his punishment. They can choose:
- Death penalty, or
- Life in prison without parole.
Prosecutors are asking for the death penalty. The sentencing phase could take up to 3 weeks. Jurors are hearing emotional testimony and seeing evidence, including videos and photos.
Chilling Photo Shown in Court
A black-and-white security photo from inside the FedEx van was shown in court. It shows 7-year-old Athena Strand alive, on her knees behind the driver’s seat. She looks scared and alert. Tanner Horner is driving calmly. Prosecutors say this photo proves Horner’s earlier story (that she was already hurt or dead) is a lie. The photo is described as very disturbing and heartbreaking.
Other Key Points
Horner originally pleaded not guilty. He changed his plea at the last minute on the first day of trial. The case has taken more than 3 years to reach this point. Athena’s family and the community have waited a long time for justice. Testimony continues today (Wednesday, April 8, 2026) and in the coming days.
This is a very sad and serious case. The focus now is on whether Tanner Horner will receive the death penalty or spend the rest of his life in prison.
