Jurors in the sentencing trial of Tanner Horner were visibly shaken this week as prosecutors played never-before-seen footage from the day Athena Strand was taken. The emotional weight of the evidence led to several members of the jury openly sobbing in the courtroom.
The footage, captured by a camera inside Horner’s delivery van, provided a chilling look into the moments surrounding the 7-year-old’s disappearance. The judge briefly cleared the courtroom of cameras due to the graphic and sensitive nature of the audio and video presented.
Prosecutors demonstrated how the driver appeared to intentionally cover and uncover the vehicle’s dash cameras using sticky notes on the day of the incident. This evidence was used to show the jury a timeline of his actions before and after he arrived at the Strand home in Wise County.
The most difficult portion of the day involved audio recordings where the young girl could be heard speaking. According to reports, she asked the driver “where are we going?” multiple times. The jury heard her voice clearly before the recording captured what prosecutors say were her final moments.
While this evidence was played, Athena’s parents were not present in the room to shield them from the harrowing details. However, her father, Jacob Strand, earlier gave emotional testimony about the devastating impact the loss has had on his life and health.
Horner has already pleaded guilty to the 2022 kidnapping and murder of the young girl. Because of this plea, the trial has moved directly to the sentencing phase, where jurors must now decide between life in prison or the death penalty.
The defense is expected to begin its presentation early next week. They will likely focus on mitigating factors as they attempt to argue against a death sentence for the former delivery driver.
The community remains focused on the trial as it nears its conclusion. This case has sparked national conversations regarding delivery driver vetting and the safety of children in rural neighborhoods.
