Overview
- Horner, who pleaded guilty Tuesday to capital murder and aggravated kidnapping, now faces either the death penalty or life in prison without parole.
- Investigators showed an image from the FedEx truck camera that captured Athena alive inside the vehicle before the lens was covered.
- Bodycam and interrogation videos played in court showed Horner switching to an alter ego he called “Zero,” admitting he “kind of tossed” the body, and directing Texas Rangers to the Trinity River site where she was found.
- Prosecutors told jurors DNA tied Horner to Athena, including under her fingernails and in locations they said no 7-year-old should have DNA, underscoring the child’s struggle.
- Jurors saw photos and testing of the FedEx truck’s interior, including bungee cords and floor panels examined because facial markings on Athena matched the truck floor pattern.