FedEx Driver Admits Killing 7-Year-Old Athena Strand, Told Police He ‘Tossed’ Her Body in Woods

A former delivery driver has admitted to the brutal killing of 7-year-old Athena Strand, telling investigators he “kind of tossed” her body into the woods after the crime.

The suspect, Tanner Horner, 34, pleaded guilty to capital murder as jurors now deliberate whether he should receive the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole.

Interrogation footage presented in court showed Horner guiding investigators to the child’s location after initially being questioned about her disappearance. When asked if Athena was alive, Horner reportedly replied, “She wasn’t alive when I put her in the truck.”

Authorities say Horner first claimed the incident was an accident involving his delivery vehicle. However, he later confessed to abducting and strangling the child while delivering a package to her father’s home in Paradise.

Prosecutors described the crime as calculated and violent, alleging that Horner threatened the child during the abduction. Lead prosecutor James Stainton told jurors that the young victim fought back during the attack, emphasizing the severity of the crime.

In court, prosecutors also revealed DNA evidence linking Horner to the assault, including traces found under the victim’s fingernails and in other areas, suggesting possible sexual assault.

The case has drawn national attention, with the FedEx driver’s actions raising serious concerns about safety and background checks in delivery services.

The trial is ongoing as jurors consider whether Horner will face the death penalty or spend the rest of his life in prison.