What to KnowThe trial will be livestreamed and live blogged in this article. The judge has warned that the trial will include graphic testimony and video. NBC 5 has decided to cut away from particularly graphic parts of the testimony. We will return to the trial as soon as we are able. Viewer discre tion is advised.A complete live blog on the day’s events at trial appears below the article. Previous Trial Coverage: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9-11 | Day 12 | Day 13 | Day 14 | Day 15 | Day 16 | Day 17 Jurors in the Tanner Horner trial heard a full day of testimony Wednesday centered on the defendant’s mental health, developmental history, and personal background as the defense continued presenting its case in the punishment phase. The day began with continued cross-examination of psychologist Dr. Eileen Ryan, who stood by her diagnoses, including PTSD and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, despite challenges from prosecutors and differing opinions from other experts. Prosecutors questioned Horner’s credibility and behavior, pointing to his actions during and after the killing of 7-year-old Athena Strand, arguing his ability to plan, clean up, and mislead others showed intact problem-solving. Ryan disagreed, maintaining his impairments stem from underlying neurological and mental health conditions and describing his drug use as an attempt to “modulate his mood and anxiety.” She also told jurors Horner does not meet the criteria for antisocial personality disorder and would likely be a low risk for violence in prison. The defense then called several character witnesses, including friends, coworkers, and a former employer. They described Horner as socially awkward, anxious, and emotionally immature, but generally kind, nonviolent, and prone to directing distress inward rather than toward others. Testimony highlighted struggles at work, difficulty retaining information, and episodes of emotional outbursts, along with financial stress and instability leading up to the crime. Jurors also heard from a fellow inmate who described Horner as anxious and vulnerable in jail. Expert testimony continued with a fetal alcohol specialist who diagnosed Horner with a moderate neurodevelopmental disorder linked to prenatal alcohol exposure, citing brain abnormalities and lifelong impairments, while acknowledging multiple other risk factors, including trauma and lead exposure. On cross, prosecutors emphasized the diagnosis was not severe and pressed the expert on whether those conditions explain the crime. The defense’s final witness testified Horner had significantly low testosterone levels, explaining the hormone’s role in aggression but noting lower levels would generally reduce, not increase, violent tendencies. ...read more read less