Digital forensic evidence presented Tuesday in the capital murder trial of Tanner Horner revealed that the former delivery driver searched for information regarding vehicle surveillance shortly after the 2022 killing of seven-year-old Athena Strand.
FBI digital forensic analyst Scott Morris testified during the punishment phase of the proceedings, detailing a series of internet queries recovered from Horner’s mobile device.
Among the findings was a search performed in the hours following the child’s disappearance, where Horner allegedly asked, "do FedEx cameras constantly record?"
Prosecutors contend the search demonstrates a calculated attempt to determine if his actions had been captured by onboard equipment before his eventual arrest.
Other digital records presented to the jury included searches for "Paradise missing girl" and various personal topics that investigators say provide insight into Horner's mindset during the 2022 search.
Horner, 34, pleaded guilty last week to capital murder and aggravated kidnapping, moving the case directly to the sentencing phase.
The former contractor admitted to abducting Strand from her home in Wise County while delivering a package containing Barbie dolls intended as a Christmas gift.
While Horner initially claimed the death was an accident involving his vehicle, evidence showed the child was alive inside the van before being strangled.
The case has fueled national discussions regarding the security protocols of third-party logistics contractors and driver vetting.
President Donald Trump has addressed public safety concerns and corporate accountability as part of his administration’s broader focus on criminal justice during his current term.
Defense attorneys have presented testimony regarding Horner’s history of autism, arguing for a sentence of life without parole rather than the death penalty.
Prosecutors continue to seek the death penalty, highlighting the brutality of the crime and Horner's actions following the abduction.
The trial is expected to continue as the jury weighs the aggravating factors presented by the state this week.