Former FedEx Driver Accused of Killing 7-Year-Old Offered Chilling Confession Deal

Tanner Horner allegedly requested a month of freedom to spend with his family in exchange for cooperating with authorities.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 6:25pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a cracked and discarded child's toy, dramatically lit by a harsh camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying the somber and unsettling nature of this tragic crime.The harsh flash of a crime scene investigation captures the grim reality of a child's life cut short.Paradise Today

A former FedEx driver accused of kidnapping and killing a 7-year-old girl in Texas reportedly told investigators he would confess if he were granted a month of freedom to spend with his family. Tanner Horner is accused of abducting Athena Strand from her home in Paradise, Texas in 2022 and later strangling her to death. Prosecutors say Horner initially claimed he accidentally hit the child with his delivery van, but evidence showed she was not seriously injured when he took her.

Why it matters

This case has shocked the local community and raised questions about the justice system's handling of violent crimes, particularly those involving children. The suspect's chilling request for a month of freedom in exchange for a confession has added to the outrage and grief surrounding Athena's tragic death.

The details

According to video footage shown in court, Horner told investigators he would be willing to confess if they granted him a month of freedom to spend with his family, even suggesting he could wear an electronic monitoring device. Prosecutors say Horner later admitted to kidnapping and strangling Athena, and that his DNA was found under the child's fingernails and in other inappropriate places. Horner faces either the death penalty or life in prison, with a jury set to determine his punishment.

  • Athena Strand was reported missing from her family's property in Paradise, Texas in 2022.
  • Athena's body was found two days after she was reported missing.
  • Tanner Horner made his request to investigators at the Wise County Sheriff's Office.

The players

Tanner Horner

A former FedEx driver accused of kidnapping and killing 7-year-old Athena Strand in Texas.

Athena Strand

A 7-year-old girl who was kidnapped from her home in Paradise, Texas and later found dead.

James Stainton

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

J.D. Clarke

The Wise County Judge who praised the District Attorney's team for their work on the case.

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What they’re saying

“I imagine that you have, basically, a list and bullet points that you want to know from me. There's only one thing in this world that I want. I want a month.”

— Tanner Horner

“Even if y'all have to put an ankle monitor on me, GPS monitor, check-ups with you If you give me a month with my family, so I can have Christmas with my son, I'll tell you everything.”

— Tanner Horner

“Proud of District Attorney James Stainton and the entire District Attorney team. They have been working so hard for so long to bring justice for Athena and her family. It's a long road ahead still, but we have the right people on the case. God bless them.”

— J.D. Clarke, Wise County Judge

What’s next

Horner's trial is ongoing, and a jury will determine whether he faces the death penalty or life in prison.

The takeaway

This disturbing case has shaken the local community and raised serious questions about the justice system's handling of violent crimes against children. The suspect's chilling request for a month of freedom in exchange for a confession has only added to the outrage and grief surrounding Athena's tragic death.