Death penalty for courier who kidnapped and killed 7-year-old child

Death penalty for courier who kidnapped and killed 7-year-old child

06.05.2026 07:40

A verdict has been reached in the US regarding Tanner Horner, who kidnapped and killed 7-year-old Athena Strand. The defendant, who admitted to abducting the little girl from in front of her home and then killing her, was sentenced to death by lethal injection. In audio recordings played during the trial, Horner was heard telling Athena to remove her clothes and saying 'You're so beautiful,' while the little girl repeatedly said 'no' and called for her mother.

A verdict has been reached regarding Tanner Horner, who kidnapped and killed 7-year-old Athena Strand in the USA. Horner, who admitted to abducting the little girl from in front of her home and then murdering her, was sentenced to death by the court.

JURY MEMBERS WERE REDUCED TO TEARS

Audio recordings played during the trial caused emotional moments in the courtroom. In the recordings, Horner was heard telling the young girl to remove her clothes, saying "Really beautiful," while Athena repeatedly said "no" and asked for her mother. It was reported that after sounds of crying, screaming, and hitting, Athena was killed.

VERDICT REACHED IN 3 HOURS

After approximately three hours of deliberation, the jury decided that Tanner Horner should be executed by lethal injection.

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