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.
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