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 (“You Can Be Anything” Barbie doll for Athena) to her family’s home in Paradise, Texas on November 30, 2022.
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 possible factors.
Horner was caught telling several lies during the investigation, including claiming he took Athena after accidentally hitting her with the FedEx van and strangling her after she said she would tell her father. He also use a mental health defense, making up an alter ego named “Zero,” claiming the persona was responsible for the killing.
The truth as to what happened to Athena was revealed. Investigators 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 and for her to take her shirt off. 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.”
According to investigators, Horner attempted to conceal the crime by covering the camera but the audio recorded his interaction with the victim.
Texas Ranger Job Espinoza also testified during the trial that footage captured the suspect stuffing Athena’s clothes into a backpack, which was later found at his home, and cleaning the FedEx van after the attack.
Video footage also showed Horner telling someone on the phone that he cleaned the truck after throwing up in it. Horner even tried to play it off after returning to the scene, where a woman told him the area was blocked off because of the kidnapping, to which he responded, “Are you serious?,” as reported by USA Today.
Athena’s naked body was found in the Trinity River, about 13 miles from her home, according to former Wise County Sheriff Lane Akin. She died from blunt force injuries, smothering, and strangulation, according to the medical examiner.
A Tarrant County, Texas jury sentenced Horner to death, concluding he posed a continuing threat to society.
