A Texas jury has sentenced former FedEx driver Tanner Lynn Horner to death by lethal injection for the kidnapping and murder of 7-year-old Athena Strand, a crime that shocked the state and drew national outrage.

Horner, who had been making a delivery to Athena’s home in the small Wise County community of Paradise, abducted the child from her driveway. Her body was later found nude in a creek miles away. During the penalty phase, jurors were shown disturbing evidence that detailed how a routine package drop-off turned into a deadly attack.

In court, Horner sat expressionless as the judge read the sentence ordering that he be put to death “before the hour of sunrise” on a future date. He showed no visible reaction when members of Athena’s family addressed him directly.

Athena’s uncle, Elijah Strand, faced Horner and condemned him as insignificant in the larger story of the little girl’s life. “You will be judged. You will face the wrath of God,” he said, his voice breaking. “You are a footnote in Athena’s story. Her name will forever be remembered. Everyone will forget you.”

Athena’s mother, her hair dyed pink in honor of her daughter’s favorite color, wept quietly in the gallery as relatives and supporters surrounded her.

Horner had already admitted to abducting Athena, telling investigators he panicked after allegedly striking her with his truck. Prosecutors said he then kidnapped, sexually assaulted, and strangled her, portraying the crime as deliberate and sadistic. Jurors were presented with graphic evidence, including video from the FedEx truck’s camera and forensic testimony about DNA recovered from the child’s body.

The courtroom was repeatedly overwhelmed by the brutality of the evidence. Some jurors cried as they listened to audio capturing Athena’s final moments, while spectators fled the room as the sounds of her assault and strangulation were played.

Prosecutors also introduced testimony from multiple witnesses who accused Horner of sexually assaulting them when they were minors, arguing he was a serial predator. They highlighted his internet search history, including queries about FedEx truck cameras, to show planning and awareness of his actions.

The defense argued that Horner’s mental health issues, including claims of autism spectrum disorder and long-standing psychological problems, should spare him from execution. Jurors rejected that argument, concluding that the aggravating factors and cruelty of the crime warranted the death penalty.

Under Texas law, Horner’s death sentence will receive an automatic appeal.