Horner's Punishment Phase Begins

0:00The Tanner Horner Capital Murder Trial picks back up Wednesday at 9 a.m. Straight into the punishment phase after he pleaded guilty Tuesday, too, killing seven-year-old Athena Strand during a kidnapping. This former FedEx driver grabbed her from her rural, wise county home on November 30, 2022, while dropping off a package strangled, her, in his truck, and dumped her body in the Trinity River. After this week, Justice Evidence was about to roll out, Horner switched his plea, sparing the full details of the crime, but locking in his guilt. He got nabbed on December 2, the same day searchers found Athena's remains, kicking off a case that's gripped North Texas from the jump. Folks in wise county were reeling from a loss of this little girl, so defense lawyers pushed for a venue switch to Taran County, landing the trial. At the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center, in Fort Worth, to aim for a fair shot at jury impartiality. The community's pain runs deep, turning a routine delivery into every parent's nightmare.

1:02Now the jury dives into hours of raw video from Horner's police interrogation, and the grim body recovery, plus testimony from lead investigator Texas. Ranger Job Espinoza Prosecutors from Wise County are gunning hard for the death penalty, while the defense pushes for life without parole. With so much on the line, this jury's call could echo for years, keep an eye on how it unfolds as they wait justice for Athena. Stay informed with Dallas News Today, AI-powered updates. I'm Cory with the story.