Athena Strand’s grandfather says he forgives Tanner Horner after he ‘kidnapped and killed’ a 7-year-old

ATHENA Strand’s grandfather says he forgives Tanner Horner in emotional post after he allegedly kidnapped and killed the seven-year-old.

Tanner Lynn Horner, 31, is charged with murder and aggravated kidnapping in connection with the girl’s death.

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According to Wise County Sheriff Lane Akin, Horner confessed to the crime when he was questioned by police.

Athena’s grandfather, Mark Strand, shared his thoughts on her death in a Facebook post posted a day after the girl’s body was found.

“This man that I am is angry and I want to be alone in a cell for 5 minutes with the psychopath who took our Athena away from us, but there’s a soft, soft voice in the back of my mind telling me I want him must forgive,” Strand wrote.

“If I allow this hate to consume me, this voice will fade and eventually be silenced. Then this ugly spirit of hate will succeed and that is why this gentle voice persists in telling me that I must forgive this man,” he continued.

Strand added that his decision to forgive Horner is for his protection and peace, and to rid himself of his hatred.

“Not an ounce of my flesh wants to do or say this, but my spirit has heard God’s voice and right now, with tears flooding my eyes, I publicly declare that I forgive this man!

“Hate won’t win. I hope my family will understand that I’m not doing this because of this man. I do this for my family and myself and to honor the voice of God in giving me the power to say this. I do this to honor our precious Athena who knew no hate.”

Strand has drawn on his faith after the tragic crime and says he will not allow Horner to take up space in his brain.

“He belongs to God and God’s justice will be done. Love conquers all and forgives. Today I choose love and hate loses.”

DARK PAST

Although Horner confessed to the kidnapping and murder of Athena, a victim came forward to share another heinous act Horner allegedly committed years ago.

A 23-year-old Texas girl, Shay Marie, has claimed in multiple Facebook posts that Horner allegedly raped her in 2014 when she was 16.

In one of the posts, she shared a screenshot of what appeared to be a conversation between her and Horner’s then-girlfriend, explaining the alleged incident.

Marie wrote that Horner “got me drunk with the intention of having sex with me. I was almost completely drunk when he decided to rape me.

“I couldn’t physically fight him. My body didn’t want to move.”

Horner’s own social media posts reveal that he was in a band called Commit and Conquer.

Horner shared a series of lyrics, which read, “Sometimes I hear her cry. Silence is the dirtiest trick in life. If I’m so empty, why do I feel alive. Let’s go back to last thing, keep your mouth shut and those legs tangled tight.”

In a 2018 Instagram post, Horner wrote a chilling message about love.

He said, “I don’t understand how people are okay with themselves when they know they’ve emotionally destroyed someone.”

Horner also said: “F*** love. love hurts you Take care and f*** everyone else. Who gives f*** anymore anyway.”

He described himself on his Facebook page as “aspie. non-neurotypic. Musician. metal head Love is stupid, let alone downright idiotic.”

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If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues addressed in this story, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673.