Tanner Horner sentenced to death penalty for 2022 kidnapping, murder of 7-year-old Athena Strand
CBS News • • nation
Key Points:
- Tanner Horner was sentenced to death by a Tarrant County jury for the 2022 kidnapping and murder of 7-year-old Athena Strand, after pleading guilty just before his trial began.
- The sentencing phase included emotional testimony from Athena's parents and family, as well as graphic video and audio of her final moments, with prosecutors advocating for the death penalty.
- The defense presented expert witnesses on Horner's mental health and childhood, urging for a life sentence without parole, but the jury deliberated for over two hours before deciding on the death penalty.
- Athena's uncle delivered a heartfelt impact statement, condemning Horner for destroying their family and emphasizing that Athena's memory will be celebrated while Horner will be forgotten.
- The murder occurred after Horner, a FedEx driver, accidentally hit Athena with his truck, panicked, and strangled her; her body was found two days later about nine miles from her home.
