Tanner Horner sentenced to death

Murder of Athena Strand, a former FedEx driver, has been sentenced to death by a United States — Texas jury for the 2022 kidnapping and murder of 7-year-old Athena Strand. Horner pleaded guilty to capital murder on April 7, leading to a penalty phase where prosecutors sought the death penalty. The jury heard extensive testimony, including an hour-long audio recording from Horner's delivery van during the attack, and evidence of sexual assault. Defense attorneys argued for a life sentence, citing Horner's troubled upbringing, autism diagnosis, and mental health struggles. However, the jury unanimously found that Horner posed a future danger to society and that there were no sufficient mitigating circumstances to justify a life sentence. Judge George Gately read the sentence, which will be automatically appealed to the United States — Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. Athena Strand's uncle, Elijah Strand, delivered a victim impact statement, emphasizing the lasting pain caused to the family.