FedEx Killer Feigned Surprise After Kidnapping of 7-Year-Old Victim

Chilling security footage shows Tanner Horner's reaction after learning of Athena Strand's disappearance.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 3:25pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a FedEx delivery van key fob against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the tools used in a heinous crime.The chilling evidence of a FedEx driver's deadly misuse of his access to homes and families.Paradise Today

Security footage played in court shows FedEx driver Tanner Horner pretending to be surprised after a woman told him about the kidnapping of 7-year-old Athena Strand, whom Horner had already killed and dumped in a creek the previous day. Horner is on trial and faces the death penalty or life in prison without parole for Strand's murder.

Why it matters

The chilling footage provides insight into Horner's callous and deceptive behavior after committing the heinous crime, underscoring the severity of his actions and the emotional impact on the community and jury members.

The details

In the security footage from Horner's FedEx van on December 1, 2022, the day after Strand's kidnapping, Horner is seen speaking with a woman who informs him that a '7-year-old kid' has been kidnapped. Horner responds with feigned surprise, saying 'Are you serious?', despite having already kidnapped, strangled, and dumped Strand's body the previous day.

  • On December 1, 2022, the day after Athena Strand's kidnapping, the security footage was recorded.
  • Athena Strand was kidnapped, strangled, and dumped in a creek on November 30, 2022.

The players

Tanner Horner

The FedEx driver who kidnapped, strangled, and killed 7-year-old Athena Strand in Paradise, Texas, and is now on trial facing the death penalty or life in prison without parole.

Athena Strand

The 7-year-old victim who was kidnapped, strangled, and killed by Tanner Horner in Paradise, Texas.

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What they’re saying

“Are you serious?”

— Tanner Horner, FedEx Driver

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide whether Tanner Horner will face the death penalty or life in prison without parole.

The takeaway

The chilling footage of Horner's feigned surprise after learning of Athena Strand's kidnapping, despite having already killed her, underscores the severity of his actions and the emotional toll on the community. This case highlights the need for stronger safeguards and accountability measures for delivery service workers who are entrusted with access to people's homes and families.