Defendant Awaiting Sentencing

Tanner Horner, 34, has already admitted guilt in the case, having pleaded guilty to capital murder and aggravated kidnapping on April 7. The plea came shortly before the trial was scheduled to begin.

With guilt established, the proceedings have shifted to determining the appropriate punishment. A jury will ultimately decide whether Horner will receive a life sentence or face the death penalty.

Events Leading to the Crime

The case centers on the disappearance and death of Athena Strand, who was taken from her father’s home in Texas. Horner had arrived at the residence as part of a delivery, bringing a package that reportedly contained Barbie dolls intended as a Christmas gift.

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Authorities allege that shortly after arriving, Horner abducted the child and forced her into his delivery truck. Investigators later determined that the crime unfolded within the vehicle.

According to the findings presented in court, Athena was strangled inside the truck before her body was left in a nearby area.

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Judge Issues Warning Before Video Is Played

Prior to the presentation of the footage, Judge George Gallagher addressed those in the courtroom with a clear warning about the nature of what they were about to witness.

“If you think you cannot watch it or listen to it, leave now. Now’s your time to get out,” he said.

The seriousness of the warning underscored the graphic and emotional nature of the evidence.

Livestream coverage of the proceedings was also halted before the video was shown, preventing the footage from being broadcast publicly.

Footage From Inside the Delivery Truck

The video, recorded in November 2022, shows the sequence of events beginning with the defendant arriving at the residence. The footage captures the moment the child is taken from the driveway and placed into the truck.