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 connection with the 2022 kidnapping and killing of 7-year-old Athena Strand. He pleaded guilty to capital murder and aggravated kidnapping in 2026 and was sentenced to death by a Texas jury.
Background
Public reporting gives limited information about Horner’s early life. He was identified by law enforcement and media as a former FedEx contract delivery driver in Texas.
Athena Strand case
Horner was accused of abducting 7-year-old Athena Strand after arriving at her family’s home to make a delivery on November 30, 2022. He was later charged in connection with her death.
Trial and sentence
In April 2026, Horner pleaded guilty to capital murder and aggravated kidnapping. A jury then heard evidence in the punishment phase and returned a death sentence.
Appeals and later proceedings
Later reporting said Horner’s defence sought a new trial after the death sentence was imposed. This indicates the case remained active in post-conviction proceedings.
Key facts
- Tanner Horner was a former FedEx contract driver when Athena Strand disappeared in November 2022.
- He was charged with aggravated kidnapping and capital murder.
- He pleaded guilty in April 2026, just before trial was to begin.
- A Texas jury later sentenced him to death after the punishment phase.
- The case is described as a kidnapping and murder involving a young child in rural North Texas.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Tanner Horner?
What was Horner’s job?
What charges did he face?
Did he plead guilty?
What sentence did he receive?
Is his case still in the news?
References
- 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.