Tanner Horner pleaded guilty to the 2022 kidnapping and murder of 7-year-old Athena Strand after abducting her shortly after delivering a Christmas package to her family’s home in Texas.
During his trial, prosecutors revealed that Horner allegedly told investigators he believed he had made a “deal with the devil” by killing the child. A forensic psychiatrist testified that Horner compared the crime to the film American Satan, claiming he thought taking Athena’s life would somehow “save” his own life and career. Prosecutors argued the crime warranted the death penalty, while the defense cited his mental health diagnoses and fetal alcohol syndrome disorder as pssible factors.
Investigators also presented disturbing audio from Horner’s delivery van, where Athena could allegedly be heard crying, asking for her mother, and begging to go home after he questioned her about her age and school. When the child asked why he was doing this, Horner allegedly replied, “Because you are pretty.”
The recording reportedly captured screams, choking, and slamming sounds, with Horner allegedly threatening Athena by saying, “If you don’t shut up, I will hurt you worse.”
Jurors sentenced Horner to death, concluding he posed a continuing threat to society.
