A FedEx worker in Texas was sentenced to death for the murder and abduction of 7-year-old Athena Strand

Athena Strand and Tanner Horner in the FedEx truck

In a tragic case in Texas, Tanner Horner, a former FedEx worker, has been sentenced to death for the abduction and murder by strangulation of seven-year-old Athena Strand in 2022. This deeply distressing incident garnered significant attention from the community and evoked strong emotions as the trial progressed.

Tanner abducted Athena during a routine package delivery, leading to her family's report of her missing on a November day in 2022. This initiated a frantic search that concluded two days later when authorities located her body near Boyd, a small town on the outskirts of Fort Worth. In a confession, Horner disclosed the location of Athena's remains to law enforcement.

Athena Strand

The trial featured sensitive material, including video and audio recordings, as well as photographs of Athena in Horner's work truck before her death. During the proceedings, her uncle, Elijah Strand, expressed the family's devastation, to 11 Alive, he stated, "There are no words that truly capture the devastation that Tanner Horner caused us and our family." "What he took from this world is not just a child ... he took a light, a future, and a piece of every single person who loved her.”

Horner's mother also addressed his actions, revealing her struggles with drug addiction during her pregnancy and his childhood. She noted that she faced regular incarceration, which led to bullying and difficulties for Horner, who was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome and ADHD. Despite her love for him, she condemned his actions, saying, "I'm so mad at him. I want to just tear his a— up." She was just a baby!"

Tanner Horner/photo/Wise County Sheriff's Office

In a chilling audio recording played in court, Horner was heard interacting with Athena, asking her about her school and assuring her they were going to "hang out." The conversation initially seemed comfortable for her until he instructed her to take off her shirt, prompting her to cry and ask, "Why are you doing this?" He responded, "Because you are pretty."

While the courts did not confirm that Horner sexually assaulted Athena, her remains were nude, and a rape kit reportedly confirmed male DNA. Yet, a witness named Billy, who grew up with Horner, testified near the end of the trial that he was sexually assaulted by Horner on two occasions during their childhood. Billy, who was 10 years old at the time, and Horner, who was 13, stated he felt compelled to testify because he believed the "truth" needed to be revealed.

Horner during trial. Photo/YouTube screenshot.

Athena's mother, Maitlyn Gandy, also testified. She recalled her final conversation with her daughter during the trial. She said, “I told her that I loved her and that I would see her on Friday.” In tribute to Athena, who loved the color pink, Maitlyn wore pink clothing and had pink hair, according to Fox 4 News. She also relived the trauma of visiting her daughter's body in the morgue. She explained, “When I got to her, she was so cold, and she didn’t like the cold, so I wanted to make sure that she was dressed,” Gandy explained, “I wanted to make sure she had one of her bows. So I got her some bows.”

Maitlyn Gandy/photo/X (Wise County Messenger)

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has signed the ‘Athena Alert,’ a law that allows police in Texas to issue a regional alert about a missing child without waiting for confirmation of an abduction. Athena's mother expressed her gratitude for the new law, stating, "I begged from the moment I got to her father's property for an AMBER Alert but it wasn't until about 24 hours later it was sent out," she explained to state legislatures. "If an AMBER Alert had been issued immediately, or some type of regional alert like the bill proposes, it could have made a difference in my child's life."

May Athena rest in peace.

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