Who Is Tanner Horner? All About the Delivery Driver Who Admitted to Athena Strand’s Murder

Athena Strand’s stepmother thought she was simply hiding when the 7-year-old disappeared from their home in rural Texas on November 30, 2022. Now, a former delivery driver has admitted to kidnapping young Athena and then killing her.

Tanner Horner pleaded guilty in a Tarrant County, Texas, courthouse on April 7 to aggravated kidnapping and capital murder in Strand’s death. His trial is ongoing, and Horner now faces either life in prison or the death penalty.

The prosecution has now rested its case, and jurors will consider court testimony and evidence as they weigh Horner’s fate. Here’s what we know about Strand’s murder and what’s happened in the case so far.

Who Is Tanner Horner?

Horner was 31 at the time of his arrest, placing his current age around 34, according to NBC 5. Little is known about his early life.

According to police, Horner resided near Lake Worth, Texas, and didn’t appear to have any criminal history. He was an independent contractor working with FedEx as a delivery driver at the time of Strand’s disappearance and murder.

Horner’s attorney, Steven Goble, told jurors in court he suffered from “various mental illnesses throughout his life.” Goble also claimed Horner’s mother drank alcohol while she was pregnant with him, and that Horner was exposed to a “massive amount of lead” during his life.

The defense team argues these factors should contribute to a life sentence in prison for Horner, rather than the death penalty he is eligible for after pleading guilty to Strand’s killing.

How Did Tanner Horner Kill Athena Strand?

Horner delivered a Christmas present meant for Strand, a box of “You Can Be Anything” Barbie dolls, when he kidnapped the 7-year-old from her home in rural Paradise, Texas, on November 30, 2022. Strand was staying with her father, Jacob Strand, and stepmother, Ashley Strand, at the time.

Strand was reported missing, setting off a large search involving 200 community members.

Two days later on December 2, Strand’s nude body was found. Police arrested Horner and he was charged with aggravated kidnapping and capital murder.

According to an arrest warrant obtained by the Associated Press, Horner initially told authorities he accidentally hit Strand with his delivery vehicle. Although she wasn’t seriously hurt, he claimed he panicked and placed her in the van before trying to break her neck. When that didn’t work, he strangled her with his hands, killing her. Prosecutors said he then disposed of her body in the Trinity River.

Horner led police to where he left Strand’s body, according to the warrant.

However, Wise County District Attorney James Stainton alleged during the trial that Horner’s explanation is largely untruthful. A still image shown during testimony showed Strand inside the van with Horner, seemingly unharmed.

“The first thing Tanner Horner says to Athena when he picks her up and puts her in that truck, he leans down and he says: ‘Don’t scream or I’ll hurt you.’ He says that twice,” Stainton said, per AP.

What Have We Learned During the Trial?

Getty Images

Tanner Horner looks on during his trial on Tuesday, April 7, in Fort Worth, Texas.

Proceedings began on April 7, and the first week of testimony focused on examination of Horner’s mental state at the time of the murder, with a lead investigator claiming Horner spoke of an “alter ego.”

Texas Ranger Sgt. Job Espinoza testified that Horner referenced an alternate identity he called “Zero” and answered questions about Strand through this persona during interviews with police, according to CBS News. “His demeanor, physical demeanor changes,” Espinoza said of Horner’s behavior. “His head goes into a sideways motion. His eyes roll into the back of the head, and he pretends to turn it to ‘Zero.’”

On Day 3, jurors watched video of Horner’s interrogation from December 7, 2022. In the footage, Horner asked Espinoza for his release from jail for one month so that he could spend one final holiday with his family. “All I want is to spend one last Christmas with my son, and I’ll tell you everything [about Strand],” he said, according to Fox 4.

Additionally, Espinoza testified that Horner initially lied about the location of Strand’s clothes, saying he dumped them on the highway because he thought it would be funny. He eventually admitted to taking the child’s pants and claimed they were in a backpack in the trash. Investigators did find articles of Strand’s clothing at Horner’s residence.

Espinoza previously testified that Horner continuously lied during questioning and talked about concern over losing his job and wanting to see his own child, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

The second week of testimony focused less on Horner’s actions in Strand’s death and more on his background and mental health history, according to Fox 4. Still, on April 16, jurors watched video footage and heard audio of Strand’s abduction captured inside the delivery van. The materials haven’t been released to the public. According to WFAA, Strand is heard asking Horner if he is a kidnapper and crying for her mother. Courtroom attendees were warned of the disturbing footage and given an opportunity to leave, while some jurors openly sobbed, per NBC 5.

What Happens Next in Tanner Horner’s Trial?

Horner pleaded guilty to both the capital murder and kidnapping charges on Tuesday, April 7. After roughly two weeks of court testimony, prosecutors rested their case on April 16.

Jurors must decide whether Horner is sentenced to death or life in prison. Released body camera footage showed Horner’s arrest.

Meanwhile, new information about an alleged past crime has come to light, according to ABC 8. About two months after Horner’s arrest, a woman reported an alleged sexual assault to police, claiming he was the perpetrator. The victim stated she was 16 at the time of the incident. The Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office chose not to prosecute Horner for the alleged crime, as he is already being tried for Strand’s murder.

According to WFAA, two women accused Horner of sexually assaulting them during trial testimony, alleging they were 16 years old at the time.

Check back with Biography.com for additional updates from the case.

Tyler Piccotti joined the Biography.com staff as an Associate News Editor and is now the News and Culture Editor. He previously worked as a reporter and copy editor for a daily newspaper recognized by the Associated Press Sports Editors. In his current role, he shares the true stories behind your favorite movies and TV shows and profiles rising musicians, actors, and athletes. When he’s not working, you can find him at the nearest amusement park or movie theater and cheering on his favorite teams.