Killer FedEx Driver Reveals Disturbing Final Words to 7-Year-Old Before Deadly Attack
Tanner Horner claimed that it was not he who killed Strand but instead his alter ego “Zero.”
A killer FedEx driver has revealed what he said to Athena Strand, 7, before brutally killing her. The man abducted the girl from her home in Paradise, Wise County, Texas, while delivering a Christmas present on November 30, 2022. After killing her inside his delivery truck, the man dumped her body in a creek near her home. On April 6, he pleaded guilty to the crime.
Killer Claims His Alter Ego ‘Took Over’ To Kill 7-year-old
The accused dumped the seven-year-old's body in a creek near her home.
According to police interview footage, Tanner Horner, 34, ordered Strand to get into the back of his delivery truck. During his interview with the investigators, Horner denied killing her but admitted that he told her they were going to the hospital.
“Just get in the back of the van, we’re going to the hospital,” Horner said, according to investigators, as seen in CCTV footage.
Horner claimed that it was not he who killed Strand but instead his alter ego “Zero.”
Horner also said he accidentally hit Strand with his truck and tried to calm her by telling her they would go to the hospital. He claimed Strand did not calm down and that is when his alter ego “took over.”
He said “Zero” ordered the girl into the back of the truck, where she was strangled and her body later dumped in the Trinity River. Her remains were discovered two days later.
Horner said, “I didn’t do it, but he did, and that’s what f---- with me. I’m wondering who the hell has been in my head this whole time.”
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Tanner Horner Unexpectedly Pleads Guilty To Murdering 7-year-old
The accused said he accidentally hit the seven-year-old with his truck and tried to calm her by telling her they would go to the hospital.
Horner was indicted on two counts of aggravated kidnapping and one count of capital murder of a person under 10 on February 16. Just before his trial was set to begin, Horner pleaded guilty to the charges. A Texas jury will determine whether he will be sentenced to death or life in prison without parole.
In a statement, Strand's mother, identified as Gandy, said, “Hearing the facts and circumstances of my 7-year-old daughter’s kidnapping and murder was undoubtedly very difficult."
“I want them to know that their work is deeply appreciated. Tanner Horner’s indictment is the beginning of a long road through the justice system.”
She added, “I appreciate everyone’s continued support and for keeping Athena’s name and memory alive. Please take a moment to hug your children and loved ones. No one is promised another day.”
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