local
Tanner Horner’s defense attorneys are seeking a new trial
By Tracy DeLatte at FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth (KDFW) - News
· July 17, 2026
· 1 min read
Defense attorneys for sentenced delivery driver Tanner Horner are requesting a new trial for the 2022 kidnapping and murder of 7-year-old Athena Strand in Wise County, claiming intense media coverage prevented a fair trial.
Why this matters in Frisco News
The request for a new trial by Tanner Horner's defense attorneys raises questions about the impact of media scrutiny on the local justice system. In a region like Frisco , where community safety is a top priority, high-profile cases can generate intense public interest and media attention. The fact that Horner's trial was potentially influenced by this coverage could have implications for how similar cases are handled in the future. As the court considers this request, residents of Frisco and surrounding areas will be watching to see how the legal system balances the need for a fair trial with the public's right to information. This case may also prompt local officials to re-examine their protocols for managing media coverage of sensitive and traumatic crimes, to ensure that justice is served without compromising the integrity of the trial process.
About this story
Original reporting by FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth (KDFW) - News . Frisco News 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 .
For the complete original report, visit FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth (KDFW) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 17, 2026 ·
Source: FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth (KDFW) - News ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Defense attorneys for sentenced delivery driver Tanner Horner are requesting a new trial for the 2022 kidnapping and murder of 7-year-old Athena Strand in Wise County, claiming intense media coverage prevented a fair trial.
When was this published? This article was first published on July 17, 2026 by FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth (KDFW) - News and curated for Frisco News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Tracy DeLatte at FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth (KDFW) - News. To learn more about how Frisco News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Frisco News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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