Athena Strand was just seven years old when she disappeared from her home in Wise County, Texas, on November 30, 2022. Two days later, she was found dead. She was staying with her father and stepmother and was playing near her house when the accident occurred.According to authorities, former FedEx driver Tanner Horner, who was delivering Christmas packages to Athena’s home, allegedly hit the girl with his truck. Terrified, he put her in his car and, according to prosecutors, eventually strangled her in the back of the truck. Tragic Irony: Athena has just received a box of “You Can Be Anything” Barbie dolls, a gift meant to inspire her dreams.
Investigation and arrest
Horner, a contract driver for Topspin, which delivers for FedEx, was arrested days after Athena’s disappearance. Court documents reveal that he confessed to the killing and led authorities to the location where her body was discovered, near a river nine miles from her home. He has been charged with first-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping, and additional counts of sexual assault, although the full extent of these charges remains under investigation.
The trial begins with horrific details
During opening statements, Wise County District Attorney James Stainton called Horner’s story a “web of lies,” saying the only truth he told was that he killed Athens.
Prosecutors also presented video evidence showing Athens alive in the back of Horner’s truck, which contradicts his claims that he panicked after an accidental collision.
The family is talking
Athena’s mother, Maitland Gandy, expressed her profound sadness over the loss: “Athena was robbed of the opportunity to be anything she wanted to be… She was robbed of watching her grow up by a man everyone was supposed to trust.”Athena’s parents filed lawsuits against FedEx and Topspin, alleging negligence and failure to properly examine Horner before assigning him the delivery mission.
The defense cites mental health issues
Horner’s attorney, Steven Goble, told the jury that Horner suffers from autism and lifelong mental health problems, allegedly exacerbated by prenatal alcohol exposure and lead poisoning. Goble asked jurors to sentence him to life in prison instead of the death penalty.More than three years after the horrific murder, Tanner Horner pleaded guilty, leaving it to a jury to decide whether he will face execution or spend his life behind bars.
