Texas inmate sentenced to death seeks new trial in Athena Strand case

13 miles away from her home, Stainton and former Wise County Sheriff Lane Akin, a witness in the trial, said. Medical examiner Jennifer Dwyer testified that she died of blunt force injuries with smothering and strangulation.

During closing arguments, defense attorneys urged jurors to spare Horner’s life, citing his difficult upbringing, stress at home continue reading …