Home Uncategorized “‘I’M SORRY I TOOK YOUR LITTLE ANGEL AWAY FROM YOU’ — ATHENA STRAND’S KILLER WROTE LETTER TO HER FAMILY BEFORE JAIL SUICIDE ATTEMPT, AND HIS FINAL 4 WORDS LEFT THEM IN TEARS” In a shocking new development, the man convicted in the killing of Athena Strand reportedly wrote a letter to her family from jail before later attempting to take his own life behind bars. The message, described as emotional and deeply unsettling, has now resurfaced and is drawing intense attention. In the letter, he apologized for taking their “little angel,” but it was the final four words he wrote that have left Athena’s loved ones overwhelmed with emotion. Those closest to the family say the ending of the note reopened wounds they have struggled every day to carry. Now many are asking whether the letter brought any peace at all — or only more pain.

“‘I’M SORRY I TOOK YOUR LITTLE ANGEL AWAY FROM YOU’ — ATHENA STRAND’S KILLER WROTE LETTER TO HER FAMILY BEFORE JAIL SUICIDE ATTEMPT, AND HIS FINAL 4 WORDS LEFT THEM IN TEARS” In a shocking new development, the man convicted in the killing of Athena Strand reportedly wrote a letter to her family from jail before later attempting to take his own life behind bars. The message, described as emotional and deeply unsettling, has now resurfaced and is drawing intense attention. In the letter, he apologized for taking their “little angel,” but it was the final four words he wrote that have left Athena’s loved ones overwhelmed with emotion. Those closest to the family say the ending of the note reopened wounds they have struggled every day to carry. Now many are asking whether the letter brought any peace at all — or only more pain.

Uncategorized · 23/04/2026 · comments off

Tanner Horner is currently awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to murder

Athena Strand
Athena Strand.Credit : Wise County Sheriff’s Department

NEED TO KNOW

  • Tanner Horner, who pleaded guilty to the murder of Athena Strand, reportedly wrote a letter to the girl’s family before attempting suicide in jail
  • Horner, a FedEx driver, is awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to capital murder and aggravated kidnapping
  • Athena, 7, was kidnapped from her driveway in Paradise, Texas, in November 2022

The FedEx driver who pleaded guilty to killing 7-year-old Athena Strand reportedly wrote a letter to the girl’s family prior to attempting suicide in jail.

Tanner Horner is awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to capital murder and aggravated kidnapping in the November 2022 death of Athena.

Horner, while delivering a Christmas package, abducted Athena from the driveway of the home in Paradise, Texas where she was staying with her father and stepmother.

CBS News reported that prosecutors read letters written by Horner in court during the sentencing phase of his trial.

One envelope, prosecutors reportedly said, was addressed to “Athena’s Family” while another said “Detectives ONLY!!!”

Former FedEx driver Tanner Horner pleads guilty to killing 7-year-old girl.
Tanner Horner.WFAA/YouTube

The letter addressed to the victim’s family reportedly stated, “I can’t tell you how many countless nights I’ve stayed awake, unable to sleep,” according to CBS.

“I pray for all of you. So many people were affected by my breakdown,” the letter reportedly continued. “Not just your family but my own as well. You’ll never get to see your baby girl grow up and I’m sorry. Now my son is going to grow up without his father and protector.”

Horner further claimed that prior to Athena’s murder, he had experienced a work-related mental health crisis.

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“I’m sorry I allowed my mental state to be unstable,” he wrote, according to the outlet. “I’m sorry I took your little angel away from you. She didn’t deserve it. Y’all didn’t deserve it.”

The letters were found in Horner’s cell following a suicide attempt months after Athena’s murder, NBC DFW reported.

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Athena died from blunt force trauma, smothering and strangulation, a medical examiner ruled.

Her naked body was found in a river nearly 9 miles away from her home.

Jurors are weighing whether Horner will be sentenced to death or life in prison without parole.

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