The capital murder trial for the man accused of killing 7-year-old Athena Strand is scheduled to begin next spring. Tanner Horner is facing a capital murder charge in the girl’s death. Horner pleaded not guilty during a capital murder arraignment hearing in March 2023, but that was after police said he’d confessed that he killed the girl with his bare hands. According to an arrest document, Horner told police he accidentally hit the girl with his delivery vehicle while in her driveway on Nov. 30, 2022, and that he got scared after she said she was going to tell her father about the collision. Strand disappeared and was reported missing by her parents. Her body was found two days later in the Trinity River, not far from the family’s home in Wise County. According to the Tarrant County District Clerk, pre-trial hearings will begin Jan. 21, 2025, and jury selection will begin Feb. 3. The trial is expected to begin March 17. Though the homicide allegedly took place in Wise County, the case is being heard in Tarrant County because the courts there are better prepared to “adequately facilitate a trial of this case.” Wise County will reimburse Tarrant County for all court costs. Prosecutors previously said they plan to seek the death penalty in the capital murder case. A capital murder conviction in Texas comes with an automatic punishment of either life in prison without parole or death. ATHENA STRAND Wise County Nov 30, 2023 Case continues one year after Athena Strand's murder Texas Legislature Apr 29, 2023 Bill Named After Athena Strand Would Change How Missing Children Alerts Are Issued Wise County Mar 6, 2023 Accused Killer Tanner Horner Pleads Not Guilty in Athena Strand Murder Wise County Feb 22, 2023 Wise County DA to Seek Death Penalty for Man Accused of Killing Athena Strand Wise County Feb 21, 2023 Mother of Athena Strand Joins Lawsuit Against Accused Killer, Employer Fort Worth Jan 30, 2023 Mattel Donates Barbies to Fort Worth Hospital in Honor of Athena Strand