Tanner Horner Wrote Apology Note to Family of 7-Year-Old Victim Before 2023 Suicide Attempt

Tanner Horner wrote a letter to the family of 7-year-old Athena Strand apologizing for her death. The letter was penned just before Horner attempted suicide in 2023 while in jail awaiting trial. The note was among several writings found in his cell.

In the letter, Horner stated, "I’m sorry I took your little angel away from you. Ya ll didn’t deserve it." Horner mentioned finding God and expressed concern about his son growing up without a father. Horner admitted to authorities that he abducted and killed Athena Strand after delivering a Christmas gift to her home in Paradise, Texas, a rural town near Fort Worth, in 2022.

Surveillance video showed Athena inside the delivery truck shortly after the abduction, appearing largely unharmed at that point. Initially, Horner told authorities he accidentally struck the child with his van and then strangled her in a panic.

He later attributed the actions to an alter ego named Zero, claiming the crimes felt like a nightmare and that this personality took over during the strangling. The trial, which began with opening statements on Monday, aims to decide between a death sentence or life imprisonment for Horner.

The district attorney stated during opening arguments that the only truthful statement Horner made to law enforcement was that he killed her.

Authorities described a pattern of lies in Horner's account of the events. The prosecution has presented evidence including the surveillance footage to support their case. Defense attorneys have argued that Horner's actions resulted from a brain injury and autism.

The trial is taking place in Wise County, Texas. Proceedings continue as the jury reviews the evidence related to the 2022 slaying.