Delivery Driver Sang 'Jingle Bell Rock' During Athena Strand's Murder

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Tanner Horner, a 35-year-old FedEx delivery driver, sang the holiday song 'Jingle Bell Rock' as he was brutally murdering 7-year-old Athena Strand in the back of his truck in late 2022, according to audio evidence played in a Texas courtroom. Horner kidnapped Athena from her driveway after delivering a package to her home, and her naked body was found in a nearby river two days later.

Why it matters

The disturbing details of Athena's murder have shocked the local community and raised questions about the safety of delivery services and the need for stronger background checks and monitoring of gig workers with access to private homes.

The details

Horner pleaded guilty to capital murder and aggravated kidnapping on April 7, just as his criminal trial was set to begin. Audio captured by the truck's security camera, which Horner had tried to cover up, revealed that he sang along to 'Jingle Bell Rock' as Athena screamed in the back of the vehicle. Prosecutors say Horner asked Athena to remove her shirt before killing her, and that while they insist she was not sexually assaulted, the audio suggests otherwise.

• On November 30, 2022, Horner kidnapped Athena from her Paradise, Texas, driveway after delivering a package to her home.
• Athena's naked body was found in a nearby river two days after she was kidnapped.
• Horner was indicted in February 2023 on charges of aggravated kidnapping and capital murder in connection with Athena's death.
• The prosecution rested its case on April 17, 2026, after showing the disturbing videos to the jury.
• The proceedings will resume on April 22, 2026, with the start of the defense's case.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The judge will decide whether Tanner Horner will receive the death penalty or life in prison for Athena Strand's murder.