The heartbreaking case of 7-year-old Athena Strand has shocked people across the world, especially after disturbing evidence was shown in court. What makes this case even more painful is the behaviour of the accused, Tanner Horner, both during and after the crime.
The trial has revealed chilling details that highlight the seriousness of the incident and its emotional impact on everyone involved.
What the Video Footage Revealed
A key piece of evidence in the trial is a video recorded inside the delivery truck on the day of the crime. The footage shows Tanner Horner calmly smoking a cigarette before stopping at a gas station. There, he bought cleaning supplies like spray and paper towels.
He was then seen cleaning the inside of the truck, trying to remove any signs of what had happened. Investigators later revealed that the truck’s internal camera had been covered during the actual crime, but the clean-up process was fully recorded.
At one point, Horner is seen placing items into a plastic bag, which is believed to contain used tissues or other evidence.
Disturbing Behaviour After the Crime
After cleaning the vehicle, Horner drove to a FedEx facility and contacted dispatch. He requested to use the same truck again the next day. To justify this, he casually said that the smell inside the truck was due to something he had eaten.
This behaviour shocked many people, as it showed a lack of concern and an attempt to hide the truth.
Emotional Courtroom Moments
The trial has been extremely difficult for those present in the courtroom. Jurors were visibly shaken and emotional as they watched and listened to the evidence.
One of the most heartbreaking moments came from footage showing young Athena asking Horner if he was a kidnapper and calling out for her mother. Due to the disturbing nature of the content, some media outlets stopped broadcasting parts of the trial.
Athena’s family chose to leave the courtroom before the most graphic evidence was presented.
Digital Evidence and Searches
Testimony from FBI forensic examiner Scott Morris revealed more troubling details. After the crime, Horner reportedly searched for Athena’s pictures, missing person posters, and crime scene images online.
He also searched questions about whether FedEx truck cameras record continuously. These searches were made after the crime, raising serious concerns about his intentions and actions.
What Prosecutors Say Happened
Horner initially claimed that the incident was an accident and that he panicked after hitting Athena with his vehicle. He even mentioned an “alter ego” as part of his explanation.
However, prosecutors strongly disagreed with this version of events. They pointed to video evidence showing Athena unharmed inside the van, suggesting that she was kidnapped and later killed intentionally.
According to the prosecution, Horner abducted the child, assaulted her, and then killed her before leaving her body in a creek several miles away from her home in Wise County, Texas.
Case Background and Current Status
The incident took place in November 2022, when Horner was delivering a Christmas gift to Athena’s home. Her disappearance led to a large search effort, and her body was found two days later.
Horner has pleaded guilty to kidnapping and killing Athena Strand. Now, the court must decide his punishment. The jury will choose between the death penalty and life imprisonment.
