What we know about Tanner Horner, man accused of killing Athena Strand
Horner still sits in the Wise County Jail while most search for who this man is and why he allegedly kidnapped Athena. Here’s what we know so far.
“Crime of opportunity”
Wise County Sheriff Lane Akin told the Star-Telegram that the kidnapping and killing of Athena was a “crime of opportunity.” Horner, a FedEx contract driver, stands accused of kidnapping Athena when he delivered a package to her house. Police say Horner had no personal connection to Athena’s family.
Horner is expected to be charged with capital murder of a person under 10 years old and aggravated kidnapping. His bond is set at $1.5 million.
The stepmother
An Amber Alert was issued for Athena on Thursday, December 1. As details were slowly released, some people initially speculated the stepmother’s involvement. She told police that she had an argument with the 7-year-old before she went missing on Wednesday, November 30.
The stepmother is not currently a person of interest in the investigation.
Cause of death undetermined
Law enforcement discovered Athena’s body along the Trinity River near Boyd Road in Azle, Texas, which is northwest of Fort Worth, on Friday evening, according to the Star Telegram. Officials are still trying to determine the cause of death, but say she died within an hour of being kidnapped.
There was no sign that she was hit by a vehicle, as some had speculated Horner hit Athena with his FedEx truck.
Always coming and going
Horner’s neighbors told the Star-Telegram that they were “freaked out” after hearing about his arrest. Other than that, they didn’t think much about Horner who lived in the neighborhood with his mom and grandmother. They said he was always coming and going.
“You kind of forget that you never know who your neighbor is,” one neighbor, Crystal Guadian, told the Star-Telegram.
No prior record
The Star-Telegram reported that Horner doesn’t appear to have a prior criminal record in Tarrant or Wise counties. Police said Horner confessed to the crime after he was arrested.
His Facebook profile says he graduated from Azle High School and was once a driver for Uber and a musician. Uber told the Star-Telegram that he had not driven for Uber in months.
FedEx responded with a statement on Saturday, December 3.
“Our thoughts are with the family of Athena Strand during this most difficult time. Words cannot describe our shock and sorrow surrounding this tragic event. We continue to cooperate fully with the investigating authorities.”
