The Brief Former FedEx driver Tanner Horner was denied a new trial after being sentenced to death for the 2022 murder of 7-year-old Athena Strand. Defense attorneys argued heavy media coverage intimidated key witnesses from testifying, while prosecutors countered that media coverage is fully permitted. Tanner Horner’s request for a new trial has been denied. Tanner Horner AppealTanner Horner (TDCJ)What's new:According to the Fort Worth Star Telegram, the judge had until July 20 to rule on a motion for a new trial. Horner’s attorneys claimed some key witnesses refused to testify because of the media coverage of the trial.