Male DNA was detected in swabs taken from Athena Strand, according to a crime lab analyst who tested evidence in her murder investigation.
Athena
Coverage of the case and capital murder trial
Analyst: male DNA evidence found in victim
FREE Prosecutors continue death penalty case against Tanner Horner
Messenger coverage of the Athena Strand case (2022-2026)
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TRIAL UPDATES: State rests its case in Horner’s death penalty trial
FREETanner Lynn Horner pleaded guilty to murdering 7-year-old Athena Strand in the opening moments of his capital murder trial April 7 in Fort Worth. Horner was charged with kidnapping and killing Strand, who attended Paradise Elementary. She was reported missing Nov. 30, 2022. Authorities found her body on Dec. 2, 2022. Now the trial shifts to the punishment phase. The […]
Horner pleads guilty to murder of Athena Strand
FREE“Guilty.” The first word uttered by Tanner Horner on Day 1 of his capital murder trial brought the first phase of the proceedings to an unexpected end.
Opinion: Now it’s a matter of life or death
FREEDetermining Tanner Horner’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt — a key pillar in the justice for Athena Strand that the Wise County community has sought for more than three years — was settled before a jury ever entered the courtroom Tuesday. Shortly after 9 a.m., Horner walked into the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center and pleaded guilty, declining to contest […]
Horner capital murder trial begins Tuesday
FREENearly 3 1/2 years after the death of 7-year-old Athena Strand, the man accused of her murder will place his fate in the hands of a jury beginning next week.
Jury selection begins in Horner case
Jury selection has begun in for the capital murder trial of Tanner Horner, who is facing a possible death penalty if found guilty in the death of Athena Strand.
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