Texas Delivery Driver Faces Sentencing Trial After Guilty Plea
On November 30th, Tanner Horner, a previous FedEx employee, was given a package to deliver to the Strand’s house in Paradise, Texas. It was a Christmas gift for 7 year old Athena, a set of Barbies encouraging young girls to “Be Anything” career wise.
But Athena would never receive her gift. Horner abducted and killed her that day he set out to deliver the Strand’s package, robbing the young girl of a bright future.
While Horner pled guilty, his sentencing trial to determine his fate (life in prison or the death penalty) is currently ongoing in Texas.
Why Hold A Trial If The Defendant Pleads Guilty?
Most of the time, if someone submits a guilty plea, that’s it. They’ve admitted fault and accept the consequences that follow. It usually eliminates the need for a trial by jury and the judge will dole out punishment immediately or schedule a sentencing hearing.
There may be slight variations between different counties or states, but that’s typically how it goes when there’s a guilty plea.
However, Texas has the death penalty and the state is arguing that Horner be put to death for his crimes. On the other hand, Horner’s lawyer is asking for life in prison. His guilt is not in question, but the jury needs to see the evidence to accurately rule on the consequences.
So it is unusual to hold a trial when someone has pled guilty, but given the severity of the crime committed and the state participating in the death penalty, Tanner Horner’s guilty plea does not impact his sentencing trial.
Recent Sentencing Trial Updates
The sentencing trial is currently underway which has peeled back the layers of Horner’s horrific crime. His initial accounts of “accidently hitting and killing” Athena and putting her in his truck were bold lies, proven by video surveillance which showed her alive in his vehicle.
According to the Texas District Attorney, James Stainton, the jury will also see video footage and audio of events that resulted in Athena’s death, adding “And when I say it's horrible, I mean it.”
One of the head investigators on the case took the stand and explained that Horner appeared to answer questions about the murder more directly when speaking as “Zero.” This is apparently Horner’s self-identified alter ego.
As for the defense, Horner’s attorney is arguing for life in prison due to lifelong mental illness. While evidence is still being discussed and shown to jurors, once they finish the trial the public will know the final ruling: life in prison or death.
Where To Go For Answers To Your Legal Questions
The internet is a great tool for research, but when you’ve got a complicated legal scenario, you won’t find your answer in the top results — you need to ask a local attorney for county and state-specific advice.
Arkansas residents, if you’re looking for a legal consultation regarding family law, personal injury claims, or criminal defense attorneys, contact the professionals at Hickey & Hull. With five offices across the state in Mena, Little Rock, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, and Russellville, you can find the location closest to you and schedule your first consultation with our lawyers!