The FedEx driver accused of the kidnap and murder of 7-year-old Athena Strand confessed that he accidentally ran her over with his delivery truck before ultimately killing her, according to the arrest affidavit.
The accused driver Tanner Lynn Horner told police that Athena was not seriously injured but panic set in when she threatened to tell her father Horner had hit her with the truck. Horner then attempted to break Athena's neck and in not succeeding to kill her, he then strangled her with his bare hands.
According to the affidavit, there were video recordings in the delivery vehicle that showed Tanner taking a girl who looked like Athena into his van. The recording also showed her talking to him inside the van.
Horner also revealed the location of where he took Athena's body after he confessed to the murder.
Horner is currently being held on charges of kidnapping and capital murder of a person under the age of 10. He is being held in the Wise County Jail on bonds totaling $1.5 million. It's not clear if Horner has obtained an attorney.
Affidavit made available here.
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