Tanner Horner sentenced to death in murder of 7-year-old Athena Strand

Local News Tanner Horner sentenced to death penalty for 2022 kidnapping, murder of 7-year-old Athena Strand By Briauna Brown, Briauna Brown Briauna Brown is a digital content producer for CBS Texas and the South region. A longtime and versatile journalist, Briauna writes, edits and produces social media content for all CBS Texas digital platforms. Read Full Bio Briauna Brown, CBS Texas Staff Updated on: May 5, 2026 / 4:49 PM EDT / CBS Texas Add CBS News on Google A Tarrant County jury sentenced Tanner Horner to death in the 2022 kidnapping and murder of 7-year-old Athena Strand on Tuesday.Horner pleaded guilty to the crime just moments before his trial began last month. The judge ordered that the trial transition into the sentencing phase, in which the jury had been hearing emotional testimony, watching and listening to graphic video and audio of Strand's last moments as prosecutors made their case for the death penalty.Among heart-wrenching testimony, the jury heard testimony from both of Strand's parents. After prosecutors wrapped their case, the defense presented its case in an effort to keep Horner from being executed. They called numerous expert witnesses to testify about Horner's mental health and medical history. Horner's mother and grandmother also took to the stand to speak on his childhood.The defense rested its case on Monday.In closing arguments on Tuesday morning, Wise County District Attorney James Stainton told jurors that the only just outcome of the trial is the death penalty. Horner's defense attorneys argued that he should be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The jury deliberated for over two hours before returning its verdict.   After the judge read the verdict, he said Horner would remain in the Tarrant County jail until he's transported to the Texas Department of Corrections in Huntsville.Athena's uncle shares impact statementElijah Strand, whose brother is...