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During the murder trial of Tanner Horner, jurors were confronted with chilling images of the FedEx truck that prosecutors allege was used in the horrifying abduction and murder of 7-year-old Athena Strand. These photographs offer a stark glimpse into the tragic events that unfolded in Athena’s own driveway.
On Friday, the prosecution presented a series of images depicting the interior of the truck where the young girl was brutally murdered by Horner, who is 34 years old. The crime took place in Texas on November 30, 2022. Horner has confessed to the murder and now awaits the jury’s decision on whether he will face life imprisonment or the death penalty.
The jury examined photos showing bungee cords and other restraints found inside the vehicle, alongside pictures of investigators conducting tests for biological evidence. These elements underline the gravity of the crime and the premeditated nature of Horner’s actions.
Initially, Horner claimed that he accidentally struck Athena with his delivery truck. However, he later confessed to strangling her after seizing her while delivering a Christmas gift to her father’s residence in Paradise, Texas.
This case has drawn significant attention, partly due to Horner’s position as a former FedEx delivery driver. His actions have left a community in mourning and a family shattered by the loss of their young daughter.
Jurors were shown evidence pictures of the interior of Tanner Horner’s FedEx vehicle as well as bungee cords on Friday, April 10, 2026. Horner kidnapped and strangled 7-year-old Athena Strand in the FedEx vehicle on Nov. 22, 2022. (KDFW-TV)
Alise Amey, a former crime scene investigator for the Wise County Sheriff’s Office, said that it was recommended that they remove the floor from the truck because Athena had markings on her face that matched the pattern on the truck’s floor.
“There were markings on the victim’s face that were consistent with the floor,” Amey testified.
Once they were removed, Amey said they were bagged in brown paper because they were so large.
Jurors were shown the exterior of Tanner Horner’s FedEx vehicle where he strangled 7-year-old Athena Strand in Nov. 2022. (KDFW-TV)
FOX 4 Dallas reported that as additional crime scene photos were shared with the jury, the court’s video feed to be blurred.
The hours of evidence shown to jurors throughout the week came as prosecutors used opening statements to paint Horner as calculating, violent and remorseless in the killing of Athena.
“First thing Tanner Horner says to Athena when he picks her up, puts her in that truck, leans down, and he says, ‘Don’t scream or I’ll hurt you,’” prosecutor James Stainton told jurors in opening statements Tuesday.
“I’m going to tell you right now. One thing you’re going to hear that is something you can’t unhear is the level of fight that a 7-year-old girl has. When she’s facing down a certain death.”
WATCH: Tanner Horner pleads guilty to killing Texas 7-year-old
On the first day of the trial, Horner pleaded guilty to capital murder and aggravated kidnapping. In the punishment phase, the jury will decide if Horner will receive the death penalty or life in prison without parole.
“Mr. Horner, to the charge of capital murder, you may plead guilty or not guilty. What is your plea?” the judge asked.
“Guilty, your honor,” Horner replied.
“Thank you. I will accept your plea,” the judge said.
A newly released photo shows 7-year-old Athena Strand shortly before prosecutors say she was abducted and killed by a FedEx driver delivering her Christmas present. (POOL via KDFW-TV)
Authorities said Horner was delivering a package containing Barbie dolls intended as a Christmas gift for the 7-year-old when he abducted and killed her.
Her body was found less than 10 miles from the home after a massive search involving law enforcement officers, volunteers, dogs, horses and off-road vehicles.
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