US2 min(s) read
Published 13:02 22 Apr 2026 GMT
A court in Texas heard disturbing evidence that a FedEx driver, Tanner Horner, was listening and singing along to a Christmas song while carrying out the murder of seven-year-old Athena Strand, according to audio presented to jurors.
Recordings from inside the delivery truck captured Athena crying out in pain, with investigators saying it sounded like she had been violently handled as the song played.
The audio reportedly includes Horner telling the child, “Shut up,” and warning, “If you don’t shut up, I will hurt you worse.”
The recording came from the truck’s internal camera system and was taken roughly 30 minutes after Athena was abducted from her home in rural Texas four years ago.
Jurors were visibly emotional while listening to the footage, which also included sounds of distress and movement inside the vehicle. Athena’s parents chose not to remain in the courtroom for this portion of the trial.
In the footage, the frightened child can be heard asking, “Where are you taking me?” and questioning whether he was a kidnapper, while also asking for her mother.
According to WFAA, 'Jingle Bell Rock' sung by Bobby Helms, could be heard on the recording as Athena’s heartbreaking murder took place, with Horner being heard singing along to the famous song.
Horner, 34, has pleaded guilty to kidnapping Athena from her driveway while making a delivery to her father’s home in Paradise, Texas, where he was allegedly transporting Christmas presents.
Prosecutors say he later killed her and disposed of her body, which was discovered several days after she went missing.
Evidence presented in court included forensic testimony and recorded phone calls. In one call with his mother, Horner denied doing anything “weird,” though other evidence introduced by prosecutors contradicted that claim.
After days of testimony and evidence, the case is now in its final phase, after Horner pleaded guilty to Athena’s gruesome murder.
The jury must now decide whether the convicted murderer will receive the death penalty or life imprisonment, though the laws in Texas require a unanimous decision.
