Tanner Horner
Tanner Horner is a Texas man convicted in connection with the 2022 kidnapping and killing of 7-year-old Athena Strand.
Tanner Horner is a Texas man convicted in the 2022 kidnapping and murder of 7-year-old Athena Strand. He was sentenced to death in 2026 after pleading guilty.
What it is
Tanner Horner worked as a FedEx contract delivery driver in Texas. He came to public attention in November 2022 when a young girl vanished from her home in Wise County, and he was quickly identified as a suspect.
Key details of the crime
On November 30, 2022, Horner was delivering a package to the Strand family home when he allegedly abducted seven-year-old Athena Strand. He was later charged with capital murder and aggravated kidnapping in connection with her death.
Trial and sentence
Horner pleaded guilty to both charges in April 2026, just before his trial was set to begin. A Texas jury heard evidence during the punishment phase and returned a death sentence. Reports indicate his defence team is seeking a new trial.
In short
- Tanner Horner was a FedEx contract driver who kidnapped and killed a 7-year-old girl.
- He pleaded guilty to capital murder and aggravated kidnapping in 2026.
- A Texas jury sentenced him to death.
- His defence is seeking a new trial after the sentence.
Quick questions
Who is Tanner Horner?
What was his job?
What sentence did he receive?
Sources
- USA Today — https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/crime/2026/07/21/athena-strand-tanner-horner-death-sentence-new-trial/90980312007/Supports: Report that Horner was sentenced to death and later sought a new trial.
- CBS News Texas — https://www.cbsnews.com/texas/news/tanner-horner-trial-sentenced-death-penalty-kidnapping-murder-athena-strand/Supports: Report that Horner was sentenced to death for the kidnapping and murder of Athena Strand.
- KERA News — https://www.keranews.org/news/2026-04-07/tanner-horner-guilty-murder-athena-strandSupports: Report that Horner pleaded guilty to killing Athena Strand as trial began.
- CBS News Texas — https://www.cbsnews.com/texas/news/tanner-horner-athena-strand-indictment/Supports: Report that Horner was indicted on aggravated kidnapping and capital murder charges.
- People — https://www.people.com/athena-strand-kidnapping-death-what-to-know-11945465Supports: Background on the case, Horner’s role as a former FedEx driver, and the timeline of charges.
- Court TV — https://www.courttv.com/news/tx-v-tanner-lynn-horner-murder-of-athena-strand-trial/Supports: Report that Horner pleaded guilty and the jury decided sentencing.