Jurors are set to return to court on Wednesday as testimony resumes in the capital murder trial over the death of 7-year-old Athena Strand. The proceedings paused for several days while defense attorneys worked to finalize their remaining witnesses. The state rested its case last week after calling numerous witnesses, including Athena’s mother, in its case against Tanner Horner, who pleaded guilty to kidnapping and killing the child. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty and previously presented graphic evidence, including audio, video and photos shown in court. Among them was an image of Athena inside Horner’s FedEx van shortly before she was killed. Over the past two days, attorneys on both sides have met with expert witnesses from across the country, covering fields such as psychology, neuroscience, lead testing and prison behavior. A judge has approved those experts to testify. Most of the expected witnesses are doctors, many of whom have evaluated Horner. Legal analyst and former federal prosecutor John Helms said the defense is expected to focus heavily on expert testimony. “You can expect that the defense is going to have expert witnesses in things like lead paint, exposure and fetal alcohol syndrome and mental health experts,” said Helms. Helms said those arguments are likely tied to the defense’s broader strategy. “We know that the defense is claiming that the death penalty is not appropriate because of mental health issues,” said Helms. Defense witnesses are expected to testify about Horner’s autism diagnosis, alleged lead poisoning and claims that his mother consumed alcohol during pregnancy. Attorneys argue those factors impacted him physically and mentally, though they do not excuse his crimes. As the trial continues, Athena’s family remains in court, waiting for closure. 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. ...read more read less