dailyloe.com – The state rested its case in the murder trial of Tanner Horner on Thursday. Jurors heard heartbreaking audio recorded inside Horner’s delivery van the day 7-year-old Athena Strand was killed. The judge warned the courtroom it was their last chance to leave before the chilling recording played. Some jurors were seen sobbing during the proceedings.
Judge George Gallagher issued a stark warning before the audio was played. He told the courtroom if they could not watch or listen, they should leave now. The trial has included graphic testimony and video since it began. NBC 5 has decided to cut away from particularly graphic parts of the testimony. They return to the trial as soon as they are able.
Prosecutors played excerpts of video in court. They said it showed Horner driving past Athena Strand’s home while police and family searched for her. According to testimony, he stopped and was told a 7-year-old had been taken. Horner responded by asking, ‘Are you serious?’
The court also heard details from a video recorded the day before inside his delivery truck. Prosecutors said FedEx surveillance cameras captured Horner kidnapping and attacking Strand. Athena’s parents left the courtroom before those videos were played. Jurors watched the video that showed Horner pull up to Athena’s home.
The video showed Horner looking around before getting out of the van. A few minutes later, he was seen walking past the van with Athena walking behind him. She was then seen standing behind the van and peering inside. Horner then picked her up, put her inside, and shut the truck’s door.
Jurors then heard audio from inside the truck. Athena repeatedly asked him the same question. She said, ‘Are you a kidnapper?’ Jurors also heard Horner threaten to hurt her if she screamed. Some of Athena’s extended family stayed to listen to parts of the recording. They then left the courtroom.
