Jurors were left in tears and family members walked out of a Texas courtroom as disturbing footage of 7-year-old Athena Strand’s final moments was shown during her killer’s trial.
Tanner Horner, 34, has pleaded guilty to capital murder and aggravated kidnapping after abducting Athena from her father’s home while delivering a package. Investigators say he strangled her in his truck and later disposed of her body.
Before the video played, the judge warned anyone unable to watch to leave. In the footage, Athena is heard asking, “Are you a kidnapper?” while Horner avoids answering, tries to make small talk, and tells her she’s “really pretty.” As the situation escalates, she refuses his demands, asks for her mother, and her voice turns to screams.
Many in the courtroom broke down, with family members leaving as the video played. Horner now faces either life in prison or the death penalty, with the jury set to decide.