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Tanner Horner death penalty case timeline: Athena Strand murder, courtroom audio, and sentencing
A FedEx driver, Tanner Horner, was sentenced to death in May 2026 for killing seven-year-old Athena Strand in 2022. The trial featured graphic audio of Strand's final moments, which distressed jurors and shaped the proceedings. Horner pleaded guilty to capital murder in April 2026 prior to the sentencing.
Why It Matters
The case illustrates how graphic evidence and a guilty plea can drive a capital punishment verdict in a child homicide case.
Timeline
5 Events
May 5, 2026: Death sentence imposed
May 5, 2026
Jurors in a Fort Worth courtroom sentenced Tanner Horner to death after he pleaded guilty to capital murder, following days of testimony and evidence including audio of Strand’s last moments.
April 16, 2026: Audio played in court
April 16, 2026
Graphic audio of Strand’s final moments inside Horner’s FedEx truck was played in a Fort Worth courtroom; courtroom cameras were removed before playback due to its graphic nature; jurors reportedly distressed.
April 2026: Horner pleads guilty to capital murder
April 2026
Horner pleaded guilty to capital murder.
Body found in Trinity River
December 2, 2022
Strand's naked body was found in the Trinity River on December 2, 2022.
2022: Strand killed; body later found
2022
Horner killed Athena Strand in 2022; Strand died from blunt-force trauma and strangulation; her body was found two days after she was reported missing.