Before He Killed Athena Strand, 2 Accusers Say FedEx Driver Sexually Assaulted Them as Girls

During the sentencing phase of Tanner Horner’s capital murder trial, harrowing testimonies were heard from two women who recounted their experiences of being sexually assaulted by Horner when they were teenagers. This unsettling revelation surfaced as jurors consider whether Horner, now aged 34, should face the death penalty or spend the rest of his life in prison without the chance of parole.

One woman, who was just 16 years old at the time, described how she met Horner through mutual friends in 2013. She stated that he assaulted her on two occasions that summer after she had been drinking, rendering her unable to give consent. “I have felt guilt, due to the fact that if I had reported, things may not have happened to other people as they are accused,” she told the court, expressing remorse for not coming forward sooner. The woman alleged that Horner was aware she was underage and had advised her to mislead his grandmother about her age if questioned.

Despite her clear reluctance following the initial assault, the woman revealed that she was assaulted again months later, an occurrence that left her grappling with feelings of guilt and regret. Her testimony elicited a deep sense of empathy within the courtroom, illustrating the lasting impact of these traumatic events on the lives of victims.

A second woman also provided testimony, detailing an assault that occurred when she fell asleep after a gathering. She asserted that the two did not share a romantic relationship, and the incident left her feeling powerless. “I completely froze, shut down, did not know what to do and just let it happen,” she recounted, adding that the experience had a profound impact on her sense of self for years thereafter.

Both women chose not to report the assaults to the authorities until after Horner’s arrest for the murder of seven-year-old Athena Strand, a tragic case that has captured significant media attention. Following their testimonies, it was reported that Horner has been indicted on charges of sexual assault of a child related to these allegations, underscoring the serious nature of the claims against him.

The prosecution introduced these testimonies as part of their strategy during the sentencing phase, seeking to paint a broader picture of Horner’s character and the extent of his criminal behaviour. Conversely, the defence challenged the credibility of the women’s accounts, attempting to cast doubt on their testimonies in a bid to mitigate Horner’s sentencing.

Horner had previously pleaded guilty to capital murder and aggravated kidnapping in relation to Athena Strand’s death, which occurred in November 2022. According to law enforcement, he is said to have abducted the young girl while delivering a parcel to her home in Wise County, before subsequently killing her. The nature of this crime has already established him as a figure of grave concern.

As jurors now deliberate on an appropriate sentence for Horner, they must weigh the chilling details presented by the two women alongside the heinous circumstances of Athena Strand’s murder. This case raises profound questions about accountability, the consequences of violence against women, and the importance of believing and supporting victims when they come forward.

As the trial continues, the community remains deeply affected by the traumatic events that have unfolded, with many hoping for justice for Athena and recognition of the suffering endured by those who testified against Horner. The gravity of the case serves as a call for reflection on societal attitudes towards sexual assault and the imperative to create a supportive environment for survivors.