DISTRESSING CONTENT WARNING: The prosecutor described Horner’s story as “lie upon lie upon lie,” insisting there was “no reality” to the declare he hit her with the van.
Athena Strand kneels behind Tanner Horner within the disturbing image (Picture: WFAA)
A chilling black-and-white {photograph} launched in a Texas courtroom on Tuesday reveals a seven-year-old kneeling behind her killer in his FedEx van, moments earlier than he strangled her to loss of life. The picture, captured on November 30, 2022, depicts Athena Strand and apparently unhurt, sitting on her knees instantly behind driver Tanner Horner as he concentrates on the highway. It instantly contradicts the 34-year-old’s preliminary declare that he by accident struck her with the car and panicked.
Horner, who had simply delivered a Christmas present — a field of “You Can Be Something” Barbies — to Athena’s rural house in Paradise, close to Fort Price, pleaded responsible to capital homicide of a kid below 10 and aggravated kidnapping as his trial was attributable to start. The shock admission means jurors will now determine solely his punishment: loss of life by deadly injection or life in jail with out parole.
Prosecutors tore aside Horner’s account throughout opening statements. Smart County District Lawyer James Stainton instructed the court docket the {photograph} proved Athena was “very a lot alive and really a lot unhurt” when she was positioned within the truck.
Stainton alleged the primary phrases Horner spoke to her have been: “Don’t scream or I’ll damage you,” repeated twice.
Stainton warned jurors they might see video from contained in the van and listen to audio after the digicam was intentionally coated. Stainton stated: “You’re going to hear what a 250-pound man can do to a 67-pound youngster. And after I say it’s horrible, I imply it.”
He added that Athena fought again, leaving Horner’s DNA below her fingernails and “in locations the place you shouldn’t discover DNA on a 7-year-old woman.”
The prosecutor described Horner’s story as “lie upon lie upon lie,” insisting there was “no reality” to the declare he hit her with the van.
Horner later led investigators to Athena’s physique, dumped beside a rustic highway seven miles from her house. She was discovered two days after being reported lacking.
Athena’s stepmother, Ashley Strand, testified because the {photograph} was proven. She described how the teen cherished “working wild and free” on their land and had been excited in regards to the festive supply.
Defence lawyer Steven Goble acknowledged the proof was “overwhelming” and “horrible” however urged the jury to spare Horner’s life.
He pointed to his consumer’s autism analysis (previously Asperger syndrome), publicity to guide as a toddler, his mom’s consuming throughout being pregnant, and different psychological well being points. Goble stated: “When somebody’s mind is what’s injured, you don’t see it,” asking jurors to impose life with out parole as an alternative of execution.
Tanner Lynn Horner (Picture: Handout)
The case was moved from rural Smart County to Fort Price over considerations a few honest trial. Horner additionally faces separate historic expenses of sexually abusing kids.
Athena’s mom, Maitlyn Gandy, has strongly backed the loss of life penalty, stating: “Each breath he takes is one my daughter doesn’t.” Gandy has vowed to make sure the world remembers that “he’s nothing and that she is every part.”
The horrifying particulars have shocked the court docket. Stainton, a 25-year veteran prosecutor, instructed jurors: “Buckle up,” for the proof forward.
Horner’s responsible plea brings a measure of accountability greater than three years after the crime, however the punishment section will lay naked the total brutality of Athena’s last moments behind that van.
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Her household and the group now look ahead to justice because the jury weighs life or loss of life for the person who stole just a little woman’s future whereas delivering her Christmas current.
A Fedex spokesman stated: “Our deepest sympathies stay with Athena Strand’s family members.”
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