Former FedEx Driver Faces More Charges in Unrelated Cases
A former driver for FedEx, Tanner Horner, accused of killing Athena Strand while delivering a package to her home has now been charged with three additional counts of sexual assault of a child in unrelated cases from 2013. Strand’s murder charges were filed earlier, and Horner had pleaded not guilty to aggravated kidnapping and capital murder. Here’s what we know:
Horrific Incident Unfolded
According to police, Horner confessed to accidentally hitting Strand with his FedEx truck in Wise County, Texas, while delivering a package to her home and later abducting and killing her. Her body was left in water and was discovered two days after she had gone missing.
Additional Charges Filed
Recently, three charges of sexual assault of a child in unrelated cases from 2013 were filed against Horner.
Court Records Show the Unrelated Incidents Occurred in 2013
According to FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth, records show the alleged incidents were in 2013, but no further details were released.
No Comment by Authorities on Latest Charges
Authorities haven’t released any details about why the additional charges against Horner were filed or what led up to them.
Mother Shares Heartbreaking Story
Strand’s mother, Maitlyn Gandy, shared that the package Horner delivered before abducting and killing her daughter was a box of Barbie dolls intended as a Christmas gift.
It’s One of the Most Difficult Moments of a Mother’s Life
After Tanner was arraigned on the charges, Gandy’s attorney, Benson Varghese, shared that seeing her daughter’s killer in court was one of the most difficult moments of her life, however surreal the experience may have been.
Suspect in Custody
Following Strand’s murder, Horner has been in custody. As of now, he pleaded not guilty to the charges and awaits trial.
Death Penalty in the Works
Wise County Sheriff Lane Akin shared that they would seek the death penalty in the Strand case.
Horner’s Employer Named in Lawsuit
Strand’s father has filed a lawsuit against Horner’s employer, FedEx, and the Texas-based contracting company that hired Horner. Strand’s family is reportedly seeking $1 million in damages and a jury trial.
Case Timeline in a Nutshell
- Strand was accidentally hit and then kidnapped and killed by Horner while he was delivering a package.
- Horner was arrested and had pleaded not guilty to aggravated kidnapping and capital murder in connection with Strand’s death.
- Horner was additionally charged with three counts of sexual assault of a child in unrelated cases from 2013.
- A trial date has not yet been set, and Strand’s family has filed a lawsuit against Horner’s employer, FedEx, and the contracting agency that hired him.
Conclusion
The recent charges against Horner are unrelated to Athena Strand’s murder, which was already troubling enough for the community. The case itself is still ongoing, and Horner has pleaded not guilty. Though Athena’s family has filed a separate lawsuit against FedEx and the contracting agency that hired Horner, the outcome of the case remains to be seen.
FAQs
1) What is the case involving Tanner Horner and Athena Strand?
Tanner Horner, a former FedEx driver, has been accused of hitting and killing Athena Strand with his FedEx truck while delivering a package to her Texas home, then abducting and killing her. Horner has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
2) What additional charges have been filed against Horner?
Recently, three counts of sexual assault of a child in unrelated cases from 2013 were filed against Horner.
3) What has Athena Strand’s family done after her tragic death?
Her father has reportedly filed a lawsuit against FedEx and the Texas-based contracting company that hired Horner, seeking $1 million in damages and a jury trial.
4) What are the potential consequences for Horner if convicted?
The death penalty will be sought by authorities in Athena Strand’s murder case. However, it’s not yet clear what the consequences could be if Horner is convicted of the additional charges.
5) What has the response from the community been?
The case has sent a wave of shock and grief across the community. Many have spoken out about the need for justice, particularly with the additional charges against Horner being filed.
