LIVE: Tanner Horner’s defense makes its case to avoid the death penalty for Athena Strand’s murder by CBS TEXAS on YouTube

A highly publicized and emotional capital murder trial is underway in Tarrant County.

Tanner Horner, who is accused of the 2022 death of 7-year-old Athena Strand, pleaded guilty to capital murder and aggravated kidnapping just moments before the trial began. Despite his guilty plea, Horner still faces the death penalty as the punishment phase begins.

The prosecution wrapped up its case pursuing the death penalty last week. Among the intense moments, the jury heard testimony from both of Strand’s parents, and prosecutors played graphic audio of Strand’s final moments.

On Wednesday, the defense will begin presenting its case for Horner to avoid execution. They are expected to call numerous expert witnesses to testify about Horner’s mental health and medical history.

The murder of Athena Strand

According to an arrest affidavit, Horner was working as a FedEx delivery driver when, on Nov. 30, 2022, he went to the girl’s home to deliver a package containing a Christmas gift. Investigators say Horner accidentally struck the child with his delivery truck while backing out of the driveway.

Athena Strand
An undated photo of 7-year-old Athena Strand, who went missing from a home in Paradise, Texas, on Nov. 30, 2022. Her body was found two days later, on Dec. 2. CBS News Texas

Authorities allege Horner told investigators that Athena did not appear seriously injured but said he panicked, placed her into his van and strangled her out of fear that she would tell her father what had happened.

Horner was subsequently tracked down through digital evidence that day.

Two days later, Strand’s body was found about 9 miles away from her home, southeast of Boyd.