Athena Strand Capital Murder Case: Pre-Trial Hearing Begins

Pre-Trial Hearing Proceedings

• ⚖️ A two-week pre-trial hearing has commenced to address procedural matters before the April 2026 trial.
• 🎯 The hearing aims to sort out the case details against Tanner Horner, who is accused of capital murder.

Allegations Against Tanner Horner

• 🚚 Horner, a FedEx driver, is accused in the death of 7-year-old Athena Strand in November 2022.
• 💥 Prosecutors allege Horner hit Strand with his delivery van while backing up, then kidnapped and strangled her.
• 💔 Athena's mother expressed her grief, stating the past seven years with her daughter were the best of her life.

Trial Preparations and Witness Testimony

• 📈 Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty in this capital murder case.
• 👥 The court anticipates more than 50 witnesses and experts to be involved.
• 📝 Attorneys focused on the jury questionnaire and selection process during the initial day of hearings.
• 🎤 Expert testimony is expected later in the week, with Athena's parents present in court.