- 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.
IN FULL