FedEx killer Tanner Horner pretended to act surprised after “learning” of his 7-year-old victim, Athena Strand’s kidnapping, chilling footage played for his murder trial jury in Fort Worth, Texas, shows.
In security footage taken from Horner’s van on Dec. 1, 2022, the day after Strand’s kidnapping, the murderer is seen speaking with a woman after trying to drive down a road blocked by multiple cars, NBC DFW reported.
As the woman approaches his van, Horner tells her that he has more packages to deliver.
Tanner Horner kidnapped Athena Strand, strangled her, stripped her, and dumped her body in a creek. AP
The jury was shown this photo of Athena Strand inside Tanner Horner’s FedEx truck the day she was kidnapped. FOX 4 DFWShe tells him a “7-year-old kid” has been kidnapped, to which Horner replies, “Are you serious?” in feigned surprise.
In fact, by that point, it had been almost 24 hours since he had kidnapped Strand from outside her house in Paradise, Texas, strangled her, stripped her, and dumped her body in a creek 10 miles from her home.
Several jurors wept during Thursday’s emotional court session, as Horner prepares to learn if he will face the death penalty or life in prison without parole.
Before playing the sickening video and audio of Strand’s murder, Judge George Gallagher warned the courtroom that it would be graphic, and paused so that anyone who chose not to hear it could leave.
Here’s the latest on killer FedEx driver who murdered 7-year-old Athena Strand:
- Killer FedEx driver Tanner Horner killed Athena Strand after she caught him ‘snorting cocaine,’ psychiatrist testifies
- FedEx driver had totally nonchalant response after he murdered little Athena Strand, his own pastor reveals at death penalty trial
- Monster FedEx driver Tanner Horner sang ‘Jingle Bell Rock’ as he murdered Athena Strand, chilling audio shows
- Inconsolable FedEx driver killer’s mother tells jury she’s furious with son — ‘She was just a baby’
- Killer FedEx driver’s mom testifies about his disturbing upbringing — as jury sees childhood photos
“If you think you cannot watch it or listen to it, leave now. Now’s your time to get out,” he told the courtroom.
Strand’s parents, Jacob Strand and Maitlyn Gandy, both testified in the trial this week, but were not present for the playing of video showing her murder.
Athena Strand was kidnapped outside her home in Paradise, Texas. Family HandoutGandy said Wednesday she had only been able to watch a couple of minutes of the video.
Strand described how he had turned to alcohol in the wake of his daughter’s murder, adding that the death had destroyed his marriage.
The victim’s sister is still in therapy following the murder.
Disturbing footage showed Horner feigning surprise after being told by a woman that a “7-year-old kid” has been kidnapped. FOX 4 DFWIn the video, Horner is seen picking up Strand and putting her in the back of his truck and driving off, as she repeatedly asks, “Are you a kidnapper?”
Horner tells her not to scream, or he will hurt her, before covering the camera inside the truck so only audio can be heard.
“You’re really pretty. You know that?” Horner tells the girl after several minutes of making small talk with her.
He is then heard telling the girl to remove her shirt, at which point she says “no” and is heard asking for her mom.
Then sounds of screaming, crying, and banging are heard.
Some of the jurors were sobbing as they heard the horrific evidence, while Horner was seen with his head down.
The trial will resume on Wednesday when the defense presents its case.
