Athena Strand’s harrowing final question moments before she was murdered

WorldPolitics
17 Apr 2026 • 3:47 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Athena Strand’s harrowing final question moments before she was murdered

  • Tanner Horner, a FedEx driver, has pleaded guilty to the 2022 kidnapping and killing of seven-year-old Athena Strand in Texas.
  • During the sentencing trial, jurors and family members were distressed by graphic video evidence showing the child asking Horner if he was a kidnapper before her death.
  • The video reportedly captured Horner driving to Strand’s home, lifting her into his truck, and later a prolonged period of banging, screaming and crying.
  • Horner initially claimed he accidentally hit Strand with his truck and killed her in a panic, but prosecutors allege he lied about the events.
  • The jury is now deciding between the death penalty or life in prison, with Horner's defence arguing for a life sentence due to claims of autism and other developmental issues.

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