Athena Strand was only seven years old when she went missing from her home in Wise County, Texas on November 30, 2022. Two days later, she was found dead. She was living with her father and stepmother and was playing near her home when the incident happened.According to authorities, former FedEx driver Tanner Horner, who was delivering Christmas packages to Athena’s home, allegedly struck the girl with his van. Panicking, he forced her into his vehicle and, according to prosecutors, ultimately strangled her in the back of the truck. Sad Irony: Athena had recently received a box of “You Can Be Anything” Barbies, a gift intended to inspire her dreams.
investigation and arrest
Horner, a contracted driver for Topspin who makes deliveries for FedEx, was arrested a few days after Athena’s disappearance. Court documents show he confessed to the murder and led authorities to the location where her body was found near a river about nine miles from his home. He was charged with murder, aggravated kidnapping, and additional sexual assault, although the full scope of those charges remains under investigation.
Trial begins with shocking details
During opening statements, Wise County District Attorney James Stanton called Horner’s story a “web of lies”, and said that the only truth he told was that he killed Athena. Prosecutors also presented video evidence showing Athena alive in the back of Horner’s truck, which contradicts his claims that he was terrified after an accidental attack.
family speaks
Athena’s mother, Maitland Gandy, expressed grief over the loss: “Athena was robbed of the opportunity to be anything she wanted to be… I was robbed of the opportunity to watch her grow up with someone everyone could count on.”Both of Athena’s parents have filed lawsuits against FedEx and Topspin, claiming negligence and failure to properly investigate before handing over the delivery to Horner.
Defense cites mental health issues
Horner’s attorney, Steven Goble, told the jury that Horner has autism and lifelong mental health problems, which were allegedly exacerbated by prenatal alcohol exposure and lead poisoning. Goble asked jurors to sentence him to life in prison rather than the death penalty.More than three years after the horrific murder, Tanner Horner has pleaded guilty, leaving a jury to decide whether he will face execution or spend life behind bars.