The heartbreaking and haunting last image of 7-year-old, Athena Strand.
We originally covered this story when little Athena was still just a missing person when she vanished from her home in Paradise, Texas.
Then we continued to bring you coverage of the story through to its tragic ending when Athena was found deceased two days later. We then updated when it was determined her life had sadly ended as a result of foul play and the ultimate arrest of Fed Ex driver, Tanner Horner, in connection to her death.
At the time of his arrest, Tanner claimed he had been delivering a Christmas present to Athena's home when he "accidentally struck her with his delivery vehicle". Tanner told authorities he had freaked out and str@ngled her after injuring her with his delivery vehicle.
The last image shows an unharmed Athena on her knees, being told "not to scream". Forensics also tell a very different story that directly contradict that Athena was "accidentally struck" by Horner's truck. Athena fought hard for her life, providing ample DNA samples matching Tanner Horner, under her fingernails. There was also DNA found on Athena in "places his DNA should never be".
Video captures Horner telling little Athena, "Don't scream or I'll hurt you." He said that twice to the 7-year-old. The prosecutor stated that jurors will be forced to watch and listen to what a 250 lb man can do to a 67 lb girl. Horner covered the camera at one point.
Tanner is now in court facing justice for the harrowing crime he committed. On Tuesday, April 7th, Tanner entered a guilty plea. Tanner could be sentenced to death for Athena's murder, although his attorneys are asking for life in prison. The jurors, in this case, will be tasked with deciding his fate.
The Wise County District Attorney had this to say in his opening statement, "The only truthful thing that Tanner Horner told law enforcement was that he k*lled her," as he pushed for the death penalty. He went on to say Tanner's confession was a web of lies, and it will be hard for jurors to keep up with "lie upon lie upon lie."
Tanner's defense is asking for life in prison. In opening statements, his attorney Steven Goble had this to say about the last image of little Athena, "When someone's brain is what's injured, you don't see it."
His attorneys claim that Tanner has autism and that his mother was a heavy alcoholic while she was pregnant. They also say Tanner was exposed to "massive amounts of lead."
Heartbreaking testimony from Athena's stepmother, Ashley Strand, confirmed it was a Christmas present that Horner had delivered that day. The irony of that gift was not lost on jurors. Ashley told the courtroom that the present was a box of "You Can Be Anything" Barbies.
What are your thoughts on this case?
Rest in peace, Athena. Our thoughts remain with all of her loved ones.
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