The sentencing of former FedEx driver Tanner Horner to death for the murder of seven-year-old Athena Strand has once again pushed the disturbing case back into headlines. But beyond the horrifying details of the crime, the trial also drew intense attention for another reason: Horner’s mental health, autism diagnosis, and the deeply troubling portrait painted by his mother and former girlfriend during court proceedings.
The 34-year-old had pleaded guilty to abducting and killing Athena in 2022 while working as a delivery driver in Texas. Prosecutors argued the murder was deliberate and brutal, while his defense team attempted to avoid the death penalty by highlighting his alleged autism spectrum disorder, traumatic upbringing, and severe mental health struggles.
What did Tanner Horner do?
By
