Athena Strand Murder: Death Penalty Trial Imminent

The trial for Tanner Horner, the man accused of murdering 7-year-old Athena Strand, is scheduled to begin next week in Tarrant County. Horner, a former delivery driver, faces the death penalty in connection with the case.

Defense Requests Restrictions on Testimony

Attorneys representing Tanner Horner have filed a motion asking the judge to ban the use of the terms “psychopath” and “sociopath” during the trial. The defense argues these terms are “unreliable due to their overwhelming rate of error, and their lack of acceptance in the relevant scientific community.”

Expert Opinion on Terminology

Criminal defense attorney Russell Wilson, not involved in the case, explained the potential impact of such terminology. “When we hear those terms commonly, they conjure up images of things or maybe experiences that might not necessarily be based in science and in evidence,” Wilson stated. He added that the terms can lead jurors to assume a greater future dangerousness, which may not be accurate.

Sentencing Phase Focuses on Mental State and Future Threat

The upcoming trial will heavily consider Horner’s mental capacity and the potential for future dangerousness, even if sentenced to life in prison. Wilson emphasized the broad scope of relevant information, stating, “It’s a broad scope of what’s relevant…You may go all the way back to the person’s childhood.” The impact on Athena Strand’s family will also be a significant factor.

Background of the Case

Horner is accused of kidnapping and strangling 7-year-old Athena Strand at her family’s home in Wise County in December 2022. According to authorities, Horner initially claimed he accidentally hit the girl with his delivery truck. He allegedly admitted to kidnapping and subsequently killing her after she survived the initial impact.

Previous Legal Challenges

In December 2023, Horner’s defense team sought to have his police interviews thrown out, citing potential Miranda Rights violations. In January 2024, they filed 28 additional motions, including one to preclude the death penalty based on a claim that Horner has autism.

Trial Location Change

The trial was moved from Wise County to Tarrant County after defense attorneys successfully argued that extensive media coverage would prevent Horner from receiving a fair trial in the original location.