FedEx Driver's Apology Note Unveiled in Chilling Murder Trial
Tanner Horner, the 34-year-old FedEx delivery driver who pleaded guilty to the capital murder of 7-year-old Athena Strand, wrote a note to her family expressing remorse and shifting blame to his employer for altering his delivery routes, which he claimed triggered the tragic events. The note was among a series of rambling letters presented in court, written shortly before Horner attempted suicide in 2023 while on trial for the girl's murder.
Jury Deliberates Fate: Death Penalty or Life Imprisonment
Horner entered a guilty plea last Tuesday for the 2022 strangulation killing of Athena Strand, but the case now hinges on a Texas jury's decision to sentence him to death or life in prison without parole. During proceedings, Horner cited Asperger's syndrome and poor adjustment to FedEx route changes as factors that nearly drove him to suicide and caused a mental health breakdown. He attributed the murder to an alter ego named "Zero," claiming it was not his true self who committed the act.
Prosecution Dismisses Horner's Account as Fabricated
Initially, Horner told authorities he strangled Athena after accidentally hitting her with his van while backing up, panicking and placing her in the vehicle. He stated he tried to break her neck to avoid informing her father, then choked her to death when that failed. However, the prosecution labeled this story "an absolute lie," presenting video footage showing Athena unharmed inside the truck after abduction. Wise County District Attorney James Stainton emphasized the web of deceit, noting Horner's first words to Athena were threats to harm her if she screamed.
Disturbing Details Emerge in Court Testimony
The jury heard chilling phone calls where Horner's mother questioned if he sexually abused Athena, to which he denied any such actions, citing medication effects. Prosecutors revealed Horner's DNA was found under Athena's fingernails and in inappropriate places on her body, describing the violence inflicted by a 250-pound man on a 67-pound child as horrific. The case has drawn national attention, with the community offering respects at a makeshift memorial for Athena in Paradise, Texas.
As the trial continues, the focus remains on justice for Athena Strand, with the jury tasked with weighing the evidence and determining an appropriate sentence for this heinous crime.
