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Jurors were left sobbing in the courtroom as chilling audio captured Athena Strand’s final moments before the 7-year-old’s killer was sentenced to death.
On May 5, Tanner Horner, the former FedEx driver who kidnapped and murdered Athena Strand in 2022, was sentenced to death after a weeks-long trial in Texas that forced jurors to hear disturbing evidence tied to the child’s final hours.
Athena disappeared from her home near Paradise, Texas, on Nov. 30, 2022, after Horner reportedly stopped at the property to deliver a Christmas package during his route for FedEx. Two days later, her body was discovered not far from the family’s home.
Horner later pleaded guilty to aggravated kidnapping and capital murder, but the trial still moved forward so a jury could decide whether he should receive the death penalty.
Judge warns court
One of the most emotional moments came when prosecutors played audio captured inside Horner’s delivery truck shortly after the child was forced into the vehicle.
Before the recording was played, Judge George Gallagher warned everyone inside the courtroom about the disturbing nature of the evidence.
“If you think you cannot watch it or listen to it, leave now. Now’s your time to get out,” the judge said, according to USA Today.
Jurors stayed but Athena’s parents chose to leave the courtroom before the recording started.
‘Are you a kidnapper?’
The video showed Horner arriving at Athena’s home before stepping out of the truck and looking around the property. A short time later, Athena appeared walking behind him as he headed back toward the vehicle. She was then seen near the truck looking inside before Horner lifted her into the van and closed the door behind her.
“What are you doing? Are you a kidnapper?” Athena asked Horner.
According to Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Athena looked confused but not scared.
As Horner pulled away from the child’s home, she stood up and asked Horner, “Where are we going?”
“It doesn’t matter,” Horner replied.
Then he covered the lens of the camera in the cabin of the truck, eliminating the video feed while the audio kept recording.
“You’re really pretty. You know that?” Horner told the girl.
Jurors sobbed
The recording continued as Horner questioned Athena about her age, her school, and her teacher.