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Paradise Today
By the People, for the People
Jurors Hear Gruesome Audio in FedEx Killer Trial, Local News Cuts Away
Tanner Horner pleaded guilty to the murder of 7-year-old Athena Strand in Texas.
Apr. 10, 2026 at 7:36pm
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Disturbing physical evidence from the Tanner Horner murder trial exposes the brutal nature of the crime against 7-year-old Athena Strand.Paradise TodayHorrifying audio played to jurors during the trial of FedEx driver Tanner Horner, who pleaded guilty to the murder of 7-year-old Athena Strand, was so gruesome that a local news station in Texas was forced to cut away from its live feed of the proceedings. Jurors were also shown disturbing photos of straps found inside Horner's truck, which he used to abduct the girl in Paradise, Texas in November 2022.
Why it matters
The graphic nature of the evidence presented in this high-profile murder trial has raised concerns about the emotional toll on jurors and the public, as well as the need for sensitive handling of such traumatic cases by the media and legal system.
The details
Tanner Horner, the FedEx driver accused of kidnapping and murdering 7-year-old Athena Strand in Texas, pleaded guilty to the crime. During the fourth day of his trial, jurors were played an audio recording of Athena's final moments that was so disturbing that a local news station, NBC Dallas Fort Worth, had to cut away from its live feed of the proceedings. The nature of the audio was not immediately clear, but it was described as 'horrifying.' Jurors were also shown photos of straps found inside Horner's truck, which he allegedly used to abduct the girl in Paradise, Texas in November 2022.
- Athena Strand was abducted and murdered in Paradise, Texas in November 2022.
- Tanner Horner's trial began in April 2026.
The players
Tanner Horner
The FedEx driver who pleaded guilty to the kidnapping and murder of 7-year-old Athena Strand in Texas.
Athena Strand
The 7-year-old girl who was abducted and murdered by Tanner Horner in Paradise, Texas in November 2022.
What’s next
Tanner Horner's trial is ongoing, and jurors must now determine his sentence after he pleaded guilty to Athena Strand's murder.
The takeaway
This case highlights the devastating impact of violent crimes against children and the importance of thorough investigations, sensitive handling of evidence, and appropriate support for all those affected, including jurors and the broader community.
