FedEx Driver Pleads Guilty to Murdering 7-Year-Old Girl

Tanner Horner faces death penalty for kidnapping and killing Athena Strand in Texas

Apr. 8, 2026 at 6:38pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a broken toy or piece of the FedEx truck's interior, dramatically lit by a harsh flash against a dark background, conceptually representing the tragic violence that occurred during a routine holiday delivery.A grim reminder of the violence that can lurk behind the everyday deliveries that bring joy to families.Paradise Today

A former FedEx driver has pleaded guilty to the 2022 murder of 7-year-old Athena Strand, who was kidnapped and killed while the driver delivered a Christmas gift to her Texas home. Tanner Lynn Horner initially told investigators he accidentally hit Athena with his vehicle and panicked, but prosecutors say the killing was planned and that Athena fought back against an hour of violence. Horner's trial will now proceed to determine if he faces life in prison or the death penalty.

Why it matters

This case has shocked the small Texas town of Paradise and raised concerns about the safety of home deliveries, especially during the busy holiday season. It also highlights the challenges of mental health and autism issues among some workers in the gig economy.

The details

Prosecutors say Horner kidnapped Athena after delivering a package containing Barbie dolls to her home, then killed her after she said she would tell her father he had hit her. A video camera in Horner's FedEx truck captured some of Athena's last moments alive, showing her kneeling behind the driver's seat as Horner told her 'Don't scream or I'll hurt you.' Athena's body was later found naked in a river 12-13 miles from her home, and she had Horner's DNA under her fingernails from fighting back.

  • On November 30, 2022, Athena Strand was reported missing after her stepmother said she did not return home from school.
  • On December 2, 2022, Athena's body was found in the Trinity River near Bobo's Crossing.
  • On April 7, 2026, Tanner Horner pleaded guilty to Athena's murder during his trial.

The players

Tanner Lynn Horner

A former FedEx driver who pleaded guilty to the 2022 murder of 7-year-old Athena Strand.

James Stainton

The prosecuting attorney in Horner's murder trial.

Steven Goble

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

Athena Strand

A 7-year-old girl who was kidnapped and murdered by Tanner Horner while he was delivering a Christmas gift to her home in Paradise, Texas.

Ashley Strand

Athena Strand's stepmother, who said the package Horner was delivering contained Barbie dolls as a Christmas gift.

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What they’re saying

“That is an absolute lie.”

— James Stainton, Prosecuting Attorney

“He rolled up bringing what we thought would be joy and happiness in a package. Well, that's not what he brought that day. ... He brought violence, fear and death.”

— James Stainton, Prosecuting Attorney

“It's an hour. It's not five minutes. It's an hour. It's not just one time that he's trying to kill her. It's over and over and over again. You can hear the banging in the truck. You can hear the screams. This is what's coming. It didn't happen fast.”

— James Stainton, Prosecuting Attorney

“She fought with the strength of 100 men.”

— James Stainton, Prosecuting Attorney

What’s next

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

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the need for increased safety measures and oversight in the gig economy, as well as the importance of addressing mental health and autism issues among workers who have access to vulnerable members of the public.