The uncle of a young girl who tragically lost her life at the hands of a FedEx driver directly addressed the perpetrator during court proceedings. Elijah Strand, facing Tanner Horner, the convicted murderer of his seven-year-old niece, delivered a poignant message, stating, “Everyone will forget you.” This statement came as Horner, aged 34, received a death sentence for the crime, following a swift jury deliberation.
Mr. Strand further expressed, “I want you to know that you are insignificant. You are merely a footnote in Athena’s story. Her name will always be remembered and cherished, while yours will fade away.” Horner had previously pleaded guilty to charges of capital murder and aggravated kidnapping just hours before his trial was scheduled to commence.
During the court session, disturbing images of Athena inside Horner’s FedEx van were presented. The series of photos showed Athena in the vehicle with Horner focusing on the road in Fort Worth, Texas. Tragically, Athena was later found strangled, her body discovered about seven miles from her residence alongside a rural road.
As the court in Dallas, Texas, announced the death penalty for Horner, Mr. Strand directly addressed the killer, highlighting the profound impact of Athena’s loss on their family and community. He emphasized the irreplaceable void left by Athena’s absence, describing her as more than just a tragic headline but a vibrant soul full of laughter, curiosity, and kindness.
In his emotional courtroom speech, Mr. Strand reflected on the dreams Athena would never fulfill and the birthdays she would never celebrate due to Horner’s actions. He described the lasting grief, unanswered questions, and the ongoing struggle to honor Athena’s memory after her senseless and brutal death.
During the closing arguments, Wise County District Attorney James Stainton praised Athena as a brave “warrior” for enduring the harrowing ordeal before her untimely demise in the back of the FedEx van in November 2022. Horner initially claimed he accidentally hit Athena with his van and then strangled her in a state of panic, despite denying the murder at first.
