Athena Strand was seven years old when she disappeared from her home in Wise County, Texas, on November 30, 2022. She was found dead two days later. She had been living with her father and stepmother and was playing near her home when the incident occurred.According to authorities, the former fedex Driver Tanner Horner was allegedly delivering Christmas packages to Athena’s home when his van struck the girl. He panicked, put her in the car and eventually strangled her in the back of the truck, according to prosecutors. Here’s the tragic irony: Athena had just received a box of “You Can Be Anything” Barbie dolls, a gift designed to inspire her dreams.
Investigations and Arrests
Horner, a contract driver for Topspin delivering for FedEx, was arrested days after Athena disappeared. He admitted to the murder and led authorities to the site where her body was found, about nine miles from her home and near a river, court documents show. He has been charged with capital murder, aggravated kidnapping and other sexual assaults, but the full scope of those charges remains under investigation.
Trial begins with shocking details
In opening statements, Wise County District Attorney James Stanton called Horner’s story “a web of lies” and said 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, contradicting Horner’s claims that he panicked after the unexpected attack.
Family members speak out
Athena’s mother, Maitland Gandy, expressed her heartbreak at the loss: “Athena was robbed of the opportunity to be anyone she wanted to be…I was robbed of the opportunity to watch her grow up with a man that everyone should have trusted.”Athena’s parents both filed lawsuits against FedEx and Toppin, claiming negligence and a failure to properly vet Horner before entrusting it with deliveries.
Defense points to mental health issues
Horner’s attorney, Steven Goble, told the jury that Horner suffered from autism and lifelong mental health problems that were allegedly exacerbated by prenatal alcoholism and lead poisoning. Goble asked the jury to sentence him to life in prison rather than the death penalty.More than three years after the horrific slayings, Tanner Horner has pleaded guilty, leaving it up to a jury to decide whether he faces the death penalty or life in prison.
