safety
Tanner Horner's defense says media attention prevented a fair trial in murder case
By Juan Carlos Chaoui at NBC DFW
· July 16, 2026
· 1 min read
Defense attorneys for Tanner Horner, the former FedEx driver who was sentenced to death in May for the murder of 7-year-old Athena Strand, have filed a motion for a new trial. The motion argues that the widespread media coverage surrounding the case intimidated key witnesses, who later refused to te
Key takeaway On June 1, Judge George Gallagher, who oversaw the murder trial, signed a protective order governing Horner's motion for a new trial and related exhibits.
Why this matters in The Fort Worth
The motion for a new trial in the Tanner Horner case raises questions about the impact of intense media scrutiny on the justice system in Tarrant County and neighboring Wise County, where the trial was held. As the case unfolded, it drew widespread attention from local and national outlets, given the horrific nature of the crime. The defense team's argument that this coverage intimidated witnesses and compromised Horner's right to a fair trial will be closely examined by Judge George Gallagher. The fact that a protective order has been issued to seal sensitive information related to the motion suggests that the court is taking steps to safeguard the integrity of the case. This development will be watched closely by legal observers and the community, particularly in light of the severe sentence imposed on Horner. The case has already had a profound impact on the families and communities involved, and the outcome of this motion will be a significant factor in determining the next steps in the appeals process.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC DFW . The Fort Worth surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: safety ·
Published: July 16, 2026 ·
Source: NBC DFW ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Defense attorneys for Tanner Horner, the former FedEx driver who was sentenced to death in May for the murder of 7-year-old Athena Strand, have filed a motion for a new trial. The motion argues that the widespread media coverage surrounding the case intimidated key witnesses, who later refused to te
When was this published? This article was first published on July 16, 2026 by NBC DFW and curated for The Fort Worth readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Juan Carlos Chaoui at NBC DFW. To learn more about how The Fort Worth selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Fort Worth, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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