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Jurors on Thursday watched interview footage in which Tanner Horner told investigators he did not kill 7-year-old Athena Strand, but that his alter ego “Zero” did.
The interview video was shown on the third day of Horner’s murder trial. Jurors first saw and heard references to that alleged second persona before hearing more about Horner’s past, including a difficult childhood, suicidal moments and his new family.
A week after Athena’s body was recovered, investigators again questioned Horner and pressed him for more details about how the girl was killed.
Horner said Athena tried to kick him as she fought for her life.
Investigators also continued trying to get more information from the persona Horner called Zero. One exchange played for jurors focused on Athena’s clothing.
“Are you saying you stripped her naked to throw her clothes out the window? On the highway?” investigators asked.
“I thought it was funny,” Horner said.
Horner told investigators that Zero was the one who killed Athena. He described feeling detached during the killing.
“I was in the back seat watching everything happen, and I’m kind of freaking out,” Horner said.
Horner also said he believed the killing had been a nightmare until he found Athena’s pants in his backpack the next day. He told investigators he could not have done it himself.
“I wouldn’t have the heart to do that,” Horner said.
The interview was one Horner asked for, and Espinoza said he believed Horner wanted it so he could cut a deal. Jurors heard Horner make that request.
“If you give me a month with my family so I can have Christmas with my son, I’ll give you everything,” Horner said in the recording.
The defense, however, pointed to what it said investigators did not do after that exchange. Defense attorneys argued Espinoza did not relay those details to the judge or prosecutor and did not call an attorney, even after Horner asked about one.
Outside the courtroom, Athena’s grandfather wore a pink bracelet in her favorite color with her name on it and the word “strong.” He said the bracelet has been a source of strength during the emotional trial.
This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC DFW. AI tools helped convert the story into a digital article, and an NBC DFW journalist edited it again before publication.