Tanner Horner Allegedly Sexually Assaulted 16-Year-Old Years Before Athena Strand's Death

Affidavit states Horner was aware of victim's age during 2013 assault

Apr. 8, 2026 at 4:23pm

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Two months after Tanner Horner was arrested for the kidnapping and murder of 7-year-old Athena Strand, a woman came forward to police alleging that Horner sexually assaulted her when she was 16 years old in 2013. According to an arrest affidavit, the victim said Horner was aware of her age at the time of the assault, and screenshots show evidence of his knowledge. The Tarrant County District Attorney's Office chose not to prosecute Horner for the sex assault while he is being tried for Athena Strand's death.

Why it matters

This case highlights the disturbing pattern of alleged predatory behavior by Tanner Horner, who is already facing the death penalty for the murder of 7-year-old Athena Strand. The new allegations of sexual assault on a minor raise further questions about Horner's history and whether there were any missed opportunities to intervene earlier. It also underscores the challenges prosecutors face in balancing multiple serious charges against a single defendant.

The details

According to the affidavit, the 16-year-old victim told police that in 2013, when she was 16 and Horner was 22, she was drinking at his house and stayed the night to avoid being caught by her grandmother. She said Horner made sexual advances, which she initially resisted, but in her drunken state eventually gave in. Screenshots included in the affidavit show evidence that Horner was aware the victim was 16 at the time. In 2018, the affidavit states Horner also attempted to kiss the victim at a bar, saying she was 'more fun as a kid'.

  • In 2013, when the victim was 16 and Horner was 22, the alleged sexual assault occurred.
  • In 2018, Horner allegedly attempted to kiss the victim at a bar and made comments about her being 'more fun as a kid'.
  • In December 2022, two months after Horner's arrest for Athena Strand's murder, the victim came forward to report the 2013 sexual assault.

The players

Tanner Horner

The 31-year-old man who is currently on trial for the kidnapping and murder of 7-year-old Athena Strand, and has now been accused of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl in 2013 when he was 22 years old.

Athena Strand

The 7-year-old girl who was kidnapped and murdered by Tanner Horner in November 2022.

Tarrant County District Attorney's Office

The prosecutors who chose not to pursue charges against Horner for the alleged 2013 sexual assault while he is being tried for Athena Strand's murder.

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What they’re saying

“Ya know I never understood why people freak out over weird age gaps, I mean yeah that's a little different but still lol...”

— Tanner Horner

What’s next

Horner is currently in the sentencing phase of his trial for Athena Strand's murder, where prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. The new allegations of sexual assault on a minor may be considered by the jury as they determine his punishment.

The takeaway

This case highlights the disturbing pattern of alleged predatory behavior by Tanner Horner, raising questions about whether there were any missed opportunities to intervene earlier. It underscores the challenges prosecutors face in balancing multiple serious charges against a single defendant and the need for thorough investigations into an individual's full history of alleged crimes.