Former FedEx Driver Pleads Guilty to Killing 7-Year-Old Texas Girl

Tanner Horner faces death penalty or life in prison for the 2022 murder of Athena Strand after making a delivery at her home.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:54am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a child's small, delicate hand with dirt under the fingernails, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the violence done to the victim.The brutal murder of a young girl by a delivery driver exposes the dark underbelly of the gig economy and the need for stronger safeguards.Dallas Today

A former FedEx driver has pleaded guilty to killing a 7-year-old girl in Texas after delivering a Christmas gift to her home. Tanner Horner told authorities he accidentally struck Athena Strand with his van and then strangled her in a panic. Prosecutors say Horner's story is a web of lies and that he intentionally killed the child. Jurors will now decide Horner's punishment, which could be the death penalty or life in prison.

Why it matters

This case has shocked the local community and raised concerns about the safety of gig workers and delivery drivers who have access to private homes. It also highlights the need for better mental health support and screening for those in high-stress jobs that involve interactions with the public, especially vulnerable populations like children.

The details

Horner pleaded guilty to killing Athena Strand after delivering a Christmas gift to her Texas home in 2022. He initially told authorities he accidentally hit the 7-year-old girl with his van while backing up, then panicked and strangled her. However, prosecutors say Horner's story is a lie and that he intentionally killed Athena. They allege he told the girl 'Don't scream or I'll hurt you' before putting her in his van. Athena's body was found two days after she was reported missing.

  • In 2022, Tanner Horner delivered a Christmas gift to Athena Strand's Texas home.
  • Athena, 7, was reported missing on the same day as Horner's delivery.
  • Athena's body was found two days after she was reported missing.
  • On April 9, 2026, Horner pleaded guilty to Athena's murder.

The players

Tanner Horner

A former FedEx driver who pleaded guilty to killing 7-year-old Athena Strand after delivering a package to her Texas home.

Athena Strand

A 7-year-old girl who was killed by Tanner Horner after he delivered a Christmas gift to her Texas home.

James Stainton

The Wise County District Attorney prosecuting the case against Tanner Horner.

Steven Goble

The attorney representing Tanner Horner, who is arguing for a life sentence rather than the death penalty.

Ashley Strand

Athena Strand's stepmother, who testified that the package Horner delivered was a Christmas gift for Athena.

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What they’re saying

“The pattern and web of lies that he put together, it's going to be hard for y'all to keep up with. It is lie upon lie upon lie upon lie.”

— James Stainton, Wise County District Attorney

“When someone's brain is what's injured, you don't see it.”

— Steven Goble, Tanner Horner's attorney

What’s next

The jury will now decide whether Tanner Horner receives the death penalty or life in prison for Athena Strand's murder.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the need for better mental health support and screening for gig workers and delivery drivers who have access to private homes, especially when interacting with vulnerable populations like children. It also raises concerns about the safety of home deliveries and the responsibility of companies to ensure their workers are fit for duty.