Tanner Horner, a 34-year-old FedEx driver, has been sentenced to death for the kidnapping and murder of seven-year-old Athena Strand in Paradise, Texas, in November 2022. Horner abducted Athena while delivering packages to her home, and after pleading guilty to capital murder and aggravated kidnapping, he faced a jury that deliberated for 2 hours and 50 minutes before reaching a decision on the death penalty. During the trial, Wise County District Attorney James Stainton described Athena as a 'warrior' for her bravery during the ordeal. The jury was presented with disturbing audio and video evidence capturing Athena's final moments, where she questioned her kidnapper and pleaded to go home. Medical examiners confirmed that Athena died from blunt force injuries, and while no sexual trauma was found, DNA evidence indicated a possible assault. Horner initially claimed that he accidentally hit Athena with his van but later admitted to the murder, describing an alter ego that took over during the incident. The case has drawn significant attention, highlighting the ongoing issues of violence and crime in society.