Athena Strand Case: FedEx Driver Searched for Missing Girl and Truck Camera Records After 7-Year-Old’s Murder, Expert Testifies

The trial surrounding the kidnapping and murder of 7-year-old Athena Strand has revealed new details about the digital activity of former FedEx delivery driver Tanner Horner, including searches related to the missing child and the truck’s camera system.

During the sentencing phase of Horner’s capital murder trial in Texas in April 2026, FBI digital forensic examiner Scott Morris testified about the search history recovered from Horner’s cellphone. According to his testimony, Horner searched phrases including “Paradise missing girl” and “do FedEx truck cameras constantly record?” in the days following Athena’s disappearance.

Investigators said Athena was taken from her family’s property in Wise County, Texas, on November 30, 2022, while Horner was delivering a package. Her body was discovered two days later, after an extensive search.

Horner pleaded guilty to kidnapping and killing the child in April 2026. The case then moved into the sentencing phase, where jurors heard evidence about the crime, the investigation and the defendant’s actions.

The digital evidence presented in court included searches and images related to Athena and the search efforts. Prosecutors presented this information as part of their case, while the defense argued that some search activity might have resulted from previously opened browser tabs or content encountered on social media.

Earlier testimony also detailed how investigators obtained video footage from cameras inside the delivery truck. Authorities said the footage helped establish that Athena had been placed inside the vehicle, providing a crucial lead during the investigation.

The testimony has brought renewed attention to the digital evidence that helped investigators piece together the events surrounding Athena’s disappearance. Jurors were tasked with considering the evidence as they weighed the appropriate punishment for Horner.

Athena’s case has also raised broader questions about child safety, delivery procedures and the role of digital evidence in criminal investigations.

Source: Fox News