
Loading summary
Commercial Announcer
The new Wegovy pill is now available through weight watchers. Powerful GLP1 results in a simple pill at the lowest price available. And with Weight Watchers, you can get doctor support and personalized nutrition programs. See if you qualify@weightwatchers.com ad not reviewed
Cindy Overton
or approved by Novo Nordisk.
Carvana Customer
I sold my car in Carvana last night.
Energy Trust of Oregon Spokesperson
Well, that's cool.
Carvana Customer
No, you don't understand. It went perfectly. Real offer down to the penny. They're picking it up tomorrow. Nothing went wrong.
Cindy Overton
So what's the problem?
Carvana Customer
That is the problem. Nothing in my life goes as smoothly. I'm waiting for the catch.
Cindy Overton
Maybe there's no catch.
Carvana Customer
That's exactly what a catch would want me to think.
Sherwin Williams Announcer
Wow.
Cindy Overton
You need to relax.
Carvana Customer
I need to knock on wood. Do we have wood? Is this table wood?
Cindy Overton
I think it's laminate.
Carvana Customer
Okay. Yeah, that's good. That's close enough.
Commercial Announcer
Car Selling without a Catch Sell your car today on Carvana. Pick up fees may apply. Big surprises could be waiting in Cash Avalanche Casino Slot. Every spin brings the chance for exciting rewards. Collect sweepstakes coins, join spin challenges and explore colorful themes. With frequent updates and smooth gameplay, the fun keeps going. Download Cash Avalanche Casino Slot on the App Store and claim your bonus.
Energy Trust of Oregon Spokesperson
At Energy Trust of Oregon, we know it isn't easy the tremendous costs of maintaining a home, living in a house with drafty windows, poorly insulated spaces, or equipment that's running well past its prime. But we also know how to help you upgrade your systems, insulate your spaces, and replace what is old with new energy efficient solutions. Find cash incentives@energytrust.org Energy Trust of Oregon. More power to you.
Cindy Overton
Hello everybody and welcome to True Crime. Time for Monday, May 4th. Be with you 2026. And I am Cindy Overton. I want to thank you for joining us today, thank you for listening to us every day and thank you for all that you do to support us for the ticket sales and everything else. I'm just going to start off this day with some gratitude, so thank y' all so much and we look forward to seeing everybody at the live event on July 18th. If you haven't purchased your tickets, go to tinyurl.com rlrc2026 and it will bring you to Southeastern Livingston Lifelong Learning center run by Crystal Hardison. And if not, when you look at the show notes on each episode. Right at the very top is the link and also the link for our hotel block of rooms for the weekend. Let's go way back to 1970 and on May 4th in 1974 students were killed and nine wounded at a protest demonstration at Kent State University. The National Guard was called into Kent State University in response to protests regarding the involvement of the United states in Vietnam. 3,000 people were in attendance at the anti war demonstration that had been prohibited by the university, which prompted the National Guard's response and that is this day in history. I'm going to take us to Kentucky where a person was arrested and charged for killing two bank employees in Kentucky and authorities claim that the teenage suspect led police on a 130 mile per hour chase before his capture. The suspect has now been named as Braylon Weaver and Weaver is 18 years old and charged with armed bank robbery, use of a firearm in a crime of violence and causing death with a firearm in the course of the crime of violence. According to the federal affidavit, Weaver was wearing a mask and entered the U.S. bank located in Berea at approximately 1:57pm local time on Thursday, April 30th. He then shot and killed Brian Switzer, who is a male banked employee who was 42 years old, and a female bank teller, Brianna Edwards, who is 35 years old and after shooting the victims, Weaver checked multiple drawers and then immediately left the bank. Weaver fled the scene and authorities said he later posted on social media at approximately 8pm that night and he shared a meme of a person in an alien mask holding a pile of cash. The words I pledge allegiance to duh bag da da bag, a slang term for money, were written across the image and authorities ultimately linked Weaver to a silver BMW and identified the vehicle on Interstate 75 that night. Federal, state and local law enforcement then pursued Weaver and led authorities and he led authorities on a chase that reached speeds of approximately 130 miles per hour. Weaver crashed his vehicle and fled on foot, according to the affidavit, and Weaver was captured by authorities at approximately 3:00am on Friday, March 1, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanch said as alleged, this deplorable act of violence in broad daylight has left two families in Kentucky with an unthinkable loss. Our hearts go out to them. Thanks to the relentless pursuit of law enforcement, Braylon Weaver is off the street and behind bars and he will now face justice for his alleged heinous actions. Weaver is scheduled to appear in court on Monday, May 4, which is today at 2pm the case is currently being investigated by the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Kentucky State Police and the Lexington Police Department. Switzer, the first victim in the April 30 shooting was a husband and a father and his family has opened a GoFundMe for him. In the fundraiser description, the family says no family should ever have to go through this kind of turmoil. And the goal of this GoFundMe is to assist his wife, Rachel, with funds so that she doesn't have to stress about financial issues during the most difficult time of her life. Edwards, which was the second victim, was described as a beautiful soul and she also has a GoFundMe established to help her family through this difficult time. Brianna leaves behind an incredible family who loved her more than words and all of whom are absolutely devastated by her loss. And our hearts and prayers go out to all of them for sure. This next story is taking us to Louisiana and authorities said they've arrested a couple accused of defrauding Louisiana's Medicaid program by nearly $135,000, according to Louisiana State Attorney General Liz Murrell's office. Fook Pham, who's 36 years old, of Slidell, is charged with two counts of government benefits fraud and one count of filing false public records. Her office says that Tran Fam, who's 34, of Slidell, is charged with three counts of government benefits fraud and one count of filing false public records. The couple underreported their incomes to receive Medicaid benefits. They added that the two are also accused of failing to report their marital status. The two suspects were booked on the charges in East Baton Rouge Parish prison. Attorney General Murrell warns others about their fate if caught breaking the law. She goes on to say, defrauding Medicaid is stealing from the hard working taxpayers of our state. If you lie to obtain benefits, you're going to jail. Officials said that the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation received a criminal referral from the Louisiana Department of Health about the couple's crimes and that is how they were alerted and the investigation began and how they were arrested. And so for this next story, we're going to Tacoma, Washington, where four students and a school security officer were injured in a reported stabbing at a high school in Washington state on Thursday. The suspect was a student at the school in Tacoma, was also injured and is in custody. The incident was reported shortly after 1:30pm at Foss High School and the call indicated there was some type of altercation, a stabbing that occurred at the school, according to Tacoma Police Department spokesperson Officer Shelby Boyd. The five students and the security officer were transported to area hospitals and that said and according to Boyd, the nature of their injuries was unclear at that time, she said, I don't know how many were stabbed, if there were lacerations compared to abrasions, but the four student victims were transported in critical condition and are now stable. According to Tacoma Fire Department, the security officer and suspect sustained minor injuries. Also, according to Tacoma Fire Department, the scene is secure and the incident remains under investigation. So of course this is a developing story and there will be more updates on that, which we probably will not list any updates on that because we're not going to list the name of the bad guy, give him any type of attention. Well, I always say that I want someone to plead guilty to avoid the trial and bringing up like all of the horrendous acts like in a murder trial and if you know you're guilty and you know you're going to be found guilty, just give yourself up. The other side of that is I also know that those guilty pleas typically come with a plea bargain and they get lesser time for their offenses. But Tanner Horner pleaded guilty Tuesday, April 7th to killing 7 year old Athena Strand, which abruptly ended what was expected to be an emotional capital murder trial in Tarrant county and shifted the case directly into the sentencing phase, where jurors will now decide whether he should face the death penalty. Horner was accused of of killing Strand in wise county on November 30th of 2022. An arrest affidavit said he was working as a FedEx delivery driver when he went to the girl's home to deliver a package containing a Christmas gift. Investigators say Horner accidentally struck the child with his delivery truck while backing out of the driveway. Authorities then alleged that Horner told investigators that Athena did not appear seriously injured, but said he panicked, placed her in his van and strangled her out of fear that she would tell her father what happened. Two days later, Athena's body was found about nine miles away from her home southwest of Boyd. Horner was indicted on February 16, 2023 for aggravated kidnapping and capital murder of a person under the age of 10. Wise County District Attorney James Stayton previously said he intended to seek the death penalty when Horner originally pleaded not guilty to aggravated kidnapping and capital murder in 2023. But in the end, Horner pleaded guilty to two counts again, capital murder and aggravated kidnapping. After Horner entered his plea, Judge George Gallagher ordered a brief five minute recess. After that, Horner's defense raised concerns about how a good portion of the observers in the courtroom wore pink in support of Strand. Gallagher, however, did not see that as an issue. The plea was formally entered in front of the jury when they entered and Gallagher told jurors the trial now moved into deciding his punishment. Opening statements were then shared with the prosecutors warning jurors about potentially graphic content, including video and audio, expected to last for about an hour. They also set an emotional tone, saying that delivery drivers typically bring joy and happiness in their job. Prosecutors also said the jury would hear and see what a 200 pound man can do to a 67 pound child and that the first words Horner said to Athena were, don't scream or I'll hurt you. Prosecutors also argued that Horner's actions were premeditated because he ensured he had the same FedEx truck each day. They also noted that Athena's body was found in water at Bobo Crossing in Wise County. Horner's defense team responded with their case, saying that his parents struggled with substance abuse. Horner's mother, they noted, also worked as a stripper until he was born.
OCD Awareness Advocate
You know, I've spent a lot of years investigating some of the darkest cases out there and seeing things most people couldn't imagine. But I'll tell you this, the hardest thing I've ever had to deal with wasn't out on the scene. It was happening in my own mind. I have ocd and for a long time I didn't even realize that's what it was. See, OCD is nothing like the stereotypes you hear about. It's not being need or organized, and it's a serious condition and it's a lot more common than people think. It's these persistent, unwanted, intrusive thoughts that come in and don't let up. They cause real distress. And then you feel driven to do certain things, mentally or physically, and just to try to get some relief. But no matter what you do, those thoughts keep coming back. And the hardest part, they latch onto the things that matter most to you. Your family, your health, your relationships, even your identity. They can feel real, and that's what makes them so upsetting. I know a lot of y' all reached out to me about this over the years. So if any of this sounds familiar for you or someone you love, I want you to hear this. Real help exists. OCD is a highly treatable with the right kind of specialized therapy, specifically ERP, or Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy, which has proven to be the most effective treatment. That's where NOCD comes in. NOCD provides specialized treatment for OCD and is the world's leading provider of OCD treatment, is covered by insurance for over 138 million Americans. And all their licensed therapists specialize in the ERP therapy. They'll work with you in live, face to face virtual sessions to help you learn how to take the power away from your intrusive thoughts so they don't cause the same level of distress. And they also provide support between sessions when you need it most so you're not facing OCD alone. If you think you or someone close to you might be struggling with OCD, please don't wait. Go to nocd.com to schedule a free 15 minute call with their team and find out how they can help. That's no c d.com did you know there's an online cannabis company that ships federally legal THC right to your door? And they figured out how to combine the THC with carefully selected ingredients to create gummies, baked goods and flour for whatever kind of vibe you're looking for. I'm talking about mood.com and you can get 20% off your first order@mood.com with promo code RLRC. They have an incredible line of cannabis gummies, and these aren't one size fits all. Mood's functional gummies are designed for different moments, whether you're just trying to relax, get focused or just unwind after a long day. One that stands out is their Sleepy Time Advanced gummies made for calm, end of the day wind down. And what makes these different is they're designed to kick in as little as 15 minutes, helping you get into the mood you're looking for without all that guesswork, y'. All. Beyond gummies, Mood also has a selection of flower pre rolls, bakery treats and beverages so you can find what works best for you. And everything ships discreetly right to your door. No lines, no hassle, just having it show up when you need it. Best of all, everything is backed by 100 day satisfaction guarantee. And like I said, RRC listeners get 20% off their first order with code RLRC. So head to mood.com, find a product that matches exactly what you're looking for. And don't forget to use promo code rlrckout to save 20% on your first order.
Commercial Announcer
If you've felt stuck trying to lose weight, you're not alone. Enter Weight Loss by Hers. It's designed to support you in reaching your goals, and HERS now offers access to an affordable range of FDA approved GLP1 medications, including the Wegovy pill and the Wegovy pen. With WeGovy at hers lose up to 20% or more of your body weight. When combined with diet and exercise, it helps you regulate your appetite, eat less and keep weight off. Plus WeGovy is the first GLP1 available in a pill so there are no needles needed. Everything is 100% online. Through hers, you'll connect with a licensed provider who will determine if treatment is right for you. If prescribed, your medication is delivered right to your door, no insurance necessary. And it doesn't stop there. Weight loss by hers goes beyond medication by offering access to 247 messaging with your care team and tons of in app lifestyle and nutrition tips like recipes, meal plans, fitness videos, sleep content and more. Even better, with a range of affordable GLP1 options, hers makes it simple to find an approach that fits your needs and your budget. If eligible, you'll get a treatment plan personalized to you and unlimited dosage changes as needed. It's weight loss designed to work with your life. Ready to reach your goals? Visit forhers.comwomen to get personalized affordable care that gets you that's F o r h E-R-S.com women fourhers.com women Weight loss by hers is not available in all 50 states. Wegovy is the registered trademark of Novo Nordisk as to get started and learn more, including important safety information, WeGovy clinical study information and restrictions, visit forhers.com spring
RK0 Proof Spokesperson
is packed patios, parties, wedding weekends and RK0 proof keeps you in the mix without the morning after regret as the original Zero Proof Spirits brand, RK's warm molecule gives you that real deal burn of whiskey or tequila with none of the alcohol, zero calories, zero sugar and a whole lot of freedom to enjoy. Enjoy the moment. Sip smarter this season@rk0proof.com that's rk0proof.com they
Cindy Overton
also said Horner, who lives with autism and had a history of mental illness, lacked access to services until he turned 18 years old. My literally my hand is shaking trying to read this. It's not an excuse. Horner was also repeatedly exposed to high lead levels. The defense also claimed Horner was expected to push through to succeed, but did not. They also asked the jury to fully consider the evidence and asked for a life sentence without parole. The first witness called was one of Athena's elementary school teachers, Lindsay Thompson. Thompson shared that she adored Strand, who loved drawing, writing and coloring. Someone Thompson said was just a typical seven year old girl and a true gem and she was always smiling. Thompson said Athena would speak her mind and stand up for herself. The prosecution asked Thompson about the last time she saw Athena and in November of 2022 and Thompson recalled that her students, including Athena, were excited for Thanksgiving and getting ready for the school's Christmas program. She also discussed Athena's final journal entry for class, which she read the day after she was found. Thompson said Athena's entry was about being safe and staying away from strangers. It was part of a Red Ribbon Week activity focused on safety and the entry included an illustration she had colored. Thompson recalled that after the girl had a rough day with listening, which was discussed in a note to her parents, that she said I love you and we will have a better day tomorrow. The prosecution asked did you have a tomorrow? And Thompson responded emotionally, no, I did not. In the wake of Athena's death, Thompson said her students felt the impact. She said they knew something was wrong and that the classroom felt heavy fighting tears. Thompson said she went back to class the Monday after Athena's death because her students needed her and support. Counselors were also brought in and she said and activities were used to help the children handle the grief. A break was called at 10:25am and court resumed, then again at 10:42am with Thompson taking the stand again while the prosecution examined her. Thompson said children at ages 6 and 7 don't process grief well. The activities they took part in were aimed at helping them do that. Thompson, who has now been teaching for 12 years, said her career is now divided into two parts before Athena and after Athena. And Thompson said she now worries more for her own children and that the impacts of Athena's death still linger. And through tears, Thompson said her husband and she made a special mailbox set up near her classroom to write letters to Athena as a way to process her death and express themselves. Thompson said students of all grade levels shared letters, but that when the mailbox was moved into the classroom and it became a grim reminder of what happened to her, the mailbox was instead moved to the school's front office. Thompson estimated more than 100 letters were shared just before school let out for winter break and she opened up more about her emotional struggles, saying she spent hours in therapy while she had lost two students back to back prior in her career, Athena's death impacted her the most. The defense asked Thompson about when she checked Athena's journal after she was found. She also shared more about Athena, saying that the girl opened her heart and arms up for another student who had unique needs. She was then dismissed from the stand by Gallagher. The prosecution then called to the stand Elizabeth Ashley Strand, who was Athena's stepmother and she goes by Ashley. She was initially asked questions about the property her family lived on, then asked to share more information about the family. Ashley Strand also said a photo of Athena wearing a red bow in her hair was taken shortly before her death. Ashley Strand said her stepmother came to live with them after Athena's mother, Maitland Gandy, who lives in Oklahoma, became sick. The girl moved in with them in May of 2022. What was initially planned as a summer stay extended with Athena starting school three months later and ultimately staying with them. Ashley Strand said she had known Athena since the girl was about a year and a half old. She tearfully shared that one of her favorite photos of Athena had her covered in mud after playing outside with Ashley's daughter, recalling her stepdaughter was so excited to have this little worm. Prosecutors discussed the pants Athena wore when she was abducted and Ashley Strand identified them positively. It was a pair of blue jeans with flowers embroidered on them. Ashley was asked to recall the day Athena went missing. She said she was cooking dinner while waiting for the kids to get back from playing on the property with nearby family members and while her then husband Jacob, which was Athena's father, was out hunting. She realized that after dinner was done, her stepdaughter wasn't where she expected her stepdaughter to be, which was sorting her clothes in her bedroom. Ashley called her sister in law to see if her stepdaughter had gone to her house, but she hadn't. She also checked her favorite tree on the property to see if Athena was there. When she didn't find Athena there, Ashley called the authorities and the family also began searching all over the property with Ashley initially believing the girl was hiding. Ashley laughed a little as she described her stepdaughter as wild, saying Athena loved running around in the country. But then she got tearful and said it sank in that Athena was missing when helicopters started flying over the property. Prosecutors asked Ashley about a Walmart box that was also on the property, which was delivered the day Athena went missing. It was addressed to Ashley and delivered by FedEx and she said inside where Barbie dolls meant as Christmas gifts for Athena and that box was left by an abandoned trailer that was on the property. Ashley recalled where she was when she learned Athena was dead. She said she was with Jacob Strand and Maitland Gandy at a nearby church and she said I lost it. She was also shown a black and white photo of athena in the FedEx delivery truck with Horner and Athena was wide eyed while Homer drove. Ashley Strand tearfully confirmed it was Athena saying I know my little girl. In response, Ashley said Athena's killing affected the family. She and Jacob are no longer married and she said her daughter now runs and hides if she sees delivery drivers. Ashley said her daughter also has nightmares and the loss of Athena has impacted her education. I'm not the same. I don't trust anybody, ashley said through tears. Then the defense questioned Ashley, asking her again to affirm information about the property. She was excused from the stand by Gallagher with a brief recession called at 10:46am after the recess, the next witness was called at noon, former Wise County Sheriff Lane Akin, who retired in 2024, about two years after Athena was killed. Akin, who was sheriff from 2016 until 2022, was cross examined by the defense to review a set of prosecution exhibits, photos potentially taken by one of his deputies from the property during the search. He was also questioned about who handled the photos before being passed on to the prosecution. He affirmed the photos were genuine and recognized the property. He also noted he was not at the scene at the time of the investigation in 2022. However, the defense argued Akin couldn't definitively testified to the photo's accuracy and the objection was overruled. Akin was then formally brought on as a law enforcement witness. He noted that during his long career in the field he handled several cases involving missing children. He outlined the protocol for what law enforcement agencies do to handle the search and and provide assistance for families. The former sheriff said he was alerted to athena's case around 7pm the night she was abducted. The Ken drove back to Wise county from Yano after he had been told she hadn't been found within the two hour window. He was asked about who all helped with the search for Athena on December 1st. In addition to sheriff's deputies, Texas Rangers, Fort Worth Police, highway patrol and game wardens. He said citizens brought out their dogs and four wheelers to help look for her. It was shoulder to shoulder, he said, remarking he was told roughly 300 people had registered with emergency management for the formal search effort. He also noted the search began on the property and moved to a nearby church and firehouse. Akin said several investigators worked on a lead when they Learned of the FedEx package delivery. As the investigation picked up speed, Wise County Sheriff's Office by then had set up a command center at a nearby fire station, which now included coordination with the FBI along with other agencies. Hakin said Horner was taken into custody and search crews moved to locate Strand. He said her body was found in the Trinity river that evening at Bobo Crossing, several miles away from home. Akin was the one who notified Athena's family that she had been found in the river, he said he was able to get his eyes on the scene before returning to the church to share their finding. He said, it's a hard thing to do, but I focused on the family. Then a one hour lunch break was called at 12:45 and Akin was excused from the stand. And then we get into the FBI testifying at Energy Trust of Oregon we
Energy Trust of Oregon Spokesperson
know it isn't easy. The tremendous costs of maintaining a home, living in a house with drafty windows, poorly insulated spaces, or equipment that's running well past its prime. But we also know how to help you upgrade your systems, insulate your spaces, and replace what is old with new energy efficient solutions. Find cash incentives at Energy Trust. Energy Trust of Oregon. More power to you.
Carvana Customer
I sold my car in Carvana last night.
Energy Trust of Oregon Spokesperson
Well, that's cool.
Carvana Customer
No, you don't understand. It went perfectly. Real offer down to the penny. They're picking it up tomorrow. Nothing went wrong.
Cindy Overton
So what's the problem?
Carvana Customer
That is the problem. Nothing in my life goes as smoothly. I'm waiting for the catch.
Cindy Overton
Maybe there's no catch.
Carvana Customer
That's exactly what a catch would want me to think.
Sherwin Williams Announcer
Wow.
Cindy Overton
You need to relax.
Carvana Customer
I need a knock on wood. Do we have wood? Is this table wood?
Cindy Overton
I think it's laminate.
Carvana Customer
Okay. Yeah, that's good. That's close enough.
Commercial Announcer
Car Selling without a Catch Sell your car today on Carvana. Pick up fees may apply.
Wendy's Biggie Deals Announcer
Wendy's new Biggie Deals lets you choose whatever you're in the mood for. It's like a music mixing board of deals and you're the producer. Go with some chill folk music with a JBC in the $4 Biggie Bite Snack. Try the drum and bass of Deals with a double stack and a $6 biggie bag. Or go full on Sandwich Snack Symphony with an $8 Biggie bundle. The grand finale of snacking. And the best part?
Cindy Overton
They all come with napkins.
Wendy's Biggie Deals Announcer
Four, six and eight dollar Biggie Deals how you want them. At Wendy's, price and participation may vary.
Carvana Customer
Single items at regular price. Prices may be higher in Alaska, California and Hawaii.
Sherwin Williams Announcer
Shop the Sherwin Williams sale and get 30% off duration. Woodscapes and Super Deck products May 1st through the 11th. Whether you're refreshing your interior or exterior, we've got the colors to put bring your vision to life. And with delivery, getting everything to your door is easier than ever. Shop online to have it delivered or visit your neighborhood Sherwin Williams store. Click the banner to learn more. Retail sales only some exclusions apply. See store for details. Delivery available on qualifying orders
Cindy Overton
after the lunch break FBI Special Agent Patrick McGuire was called to the stand. He affirmed that local agencies like the Wise County Sheriff's Office would often call on the FBI for help with such cases involving missing people. McGuire said he was called by another agent at the scene of Athena's disappearance and asked to track down who delivered that FedEx package. McGuire said he and a team were able to determine the package came from Parrot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport. He said a manager they met with was able to determine the route and the company contracted by FedEx that handled the delivery. McGuire said the manager called Horner on speakerphone to ask about the route and if he had any delivery to Athena's home and Horner, according to McGuire, said he did not recall the address. McGuire said he and a team approached Horner after locating him and Horner dropped a package, McGuire said, and was startled by the team. McGuire said during their in person discussion that Horner then recalled the address after driving by the scene and that then he remembered seeing a vehicle, an older green Astro van, missing a lower panel on the driver's door leaving from there around the time he supposedly made the delivery. That information was shared with authorities and set up a command post in case the details were actually true. But McGuire also noted that Horner became emotional about strand's death. However, McGuire noted that the search for the van Horner described turning turned up nothing. McGuire and the investigation team later got more information about Horner's deliveries, including the apparent 30 minute time gap between deliveries. McGuire and the team got back in contact with Horner, who told them he felt sick and had to throw up along the roadway before continuing his route. McGuire then noted that Horner told him the rear end of his FedEx truck had hit a tree on the Strand property, but he didn't see any visible damage and left. That was something, McGuire said, that seemed odd. McGuire then said investigators learned the truck was equipped with an inside camera that was recording and they requested access to that footage along with records tied to the delivery at the Strand property. McGuire said that the package was delivered but not marked as such within records. There were only a few more packages that were not marked as delivered and he also noted that Horner never admitted to him at any time that he was involved in athena's disappearance. After McGuire was dismissed from the stand, the judge called for a recess until 9am the next morning, which was April 8. And then Athena's mother takes the stand and I know this is long, but this is real life and this is real crime. Athena's Athena Strand's mother, Maitland Gandy took The stand Wednesday, April 16, facing Horner in one of the most emotional moments of the trial, telling the courtroom and Horner that Athena is more than a headline and more than a story. And she was wearing pink, which was Athena's favorite color. Gandy shared memories of her daughter and described the co parenting relationship she had with Athena's father, Jacob. Stranded Gandy said that when she found out that Athena was missing, she was in her house and her phone had died. So Jacob Strand called her little sister who called her older sister who came banging on the door like the house was on fire, she said. And the sister said Athena's missing. Gandy recalled how she searched country roads, ponds and property over and over again, and when she received the tragic news that her body was found, the sheriff told Gandy that she shouldn't confirm it was Athena's body because she looks too bad. However, Gandy did see her daughter's body. Gandy said she doesn't believe that Horner will ever tell the truth about what happened. And then Jacob took the stand. Jacob Strand, the father, described his favorite memories and described the moment before learning his daughter was missing. He said after work that day, he spent time with Athena and her sibling before he left on a camping trip with his dad. He said after telling them bye and hugging Athena, she ran back up to him as he was backing out of the driveway and he said that was the last time he saw his daughter alive. As tears began to roll down his face, he recalled searching for her every day. The authorities would let him. I know the woods like the back of my hand, he said with more tears falling. He said it was hard after hearing his daughter's body had been found. Jacob said he began to feel guilty that he wasn't there to protect her and he self destructed as time went on. He said he still lives on the property where Athena went missing and he's found a place to talk to her. Her favorite fruitless pear tree that she would climb and hang from with her sister. He, like the mother, doesn't believe Horner's apology or Horner story or how his daughter was killed. So jurors have now seen the additional evidence, including video footage near the river where Athena's body was found and video from inside the FedEx truck. And on Monday, April 21, the Capitol murder trial of Tanner Horner resumed without a jury in the courtroom. As the case entered, the key legal step focused on vetting the defense expert witnesses. The court moved into what's known as voir dire, which is a phase for expert witnesses, a process where the judge and attorneys decide what testimony the jury will ultimately be allowed to hear. And four medical experts were called by the defense and they testified with all four saying they had evaluated Horner and believed he had significant underlying health and developmental issues long before Athena's death. Now prosecutors pushed back on the defense experts conclusions, focusing not just on what they found, but how they found it.
Nanit Baby Monitor Promoter
And
Cindy Overton
that is where we are at with that. And I know that was a long one and I apologize. But again, like I said, this is real life and real crime. And that is a look into what happens in courtrooms and the emotional toll it takes. When a crime occurs in a family. It doesn't just affect one, It affects so many. I'm going to end this day in Orlando, Florida, Chris Eric Harmon, who's 38 years old, has been sentenced by U.S. district Judge Ann Lee Gaylord Moe to 17 years and six months in federal prison for receipt of child sexual abuse material. Harmon pleaded guilty on A on August 7, 2025. According to court documents, on April 7 of 2024, Harmon was chatting with another user on an Internet based application and during that chat Harmon requested sexual abuse material and received approximately 22 illicit videos depicting the sexual abuse of children as young as infants. This case was investigated by the FBI and it was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kaylee Austin Aronson. This case was brought as part of the Project Save Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May of 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse and led by United States Attorney's Office and the Criminal Division Child Exploitation and obscenity section, SEOs Project Safe Childhood Marshals Federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and to identify and rescue victims. I don't think 17 years is enough, but at least he's serving time and I hope he gets the help that he needs. So that is going to be true Crime time for Monday, May 4th. And thank you for liking and listening and sharing and please make sure that you hit the follow button on whatever podcast platform you listen on. Sometimes what happens is that things are reset like after a few months like Apple goes through and they want to make sure that whoever you're following you're actually listening to and they just reset it like the other day. Obviously I know I follow real life for a crime on every listening platform and I stopped getting notifications so I need those notifications to make sure that we're connected. So I stopped getting notifications on Spotify and Apple so I had to go re follow myself. So I know that that happened to others. So please take time to go follow. That way you get alerts, there's going, there is traction moving in all of the cases and I know we're going to have updates this week. I know Woody has a very important meeting this week and big things are coming. They really, really are. I know y' all get tired of saying that. I get tired of saying that without a big thing happening. But they're happening. They truly, truly are. And one day, just like with Courtney Coco's case, all of the pieces will come together and you'll be able to hear all of it at once and know all the pieces and the timeframe of how things went down. And that is one of the problems with when you work something in real time. People are so used to just turning on a date line and you get from start to finish what happened and you get closure. And I know y' all want closure, but it takes patience and it takes a lot of energy and multiple people to make these things move forward. So I promise you stuff is happening on all of the cases. We want justice for everyone and we just thank you for continuing to listen and I ask you to please share the episodes with friends and family. A lot of people like this way of doing, you know, the news which focuses on the crimes, but they like hearing the stories and we like doing them. So I will let you go for Monday, May 4th and we will see you tomorrow.
American Express Promoter
My shopping style is more stay at home than try in store so my Amex Blue Cash Everyday card is my go to accessory. When I shop, it's easy to earn by getting 3% cash back on US online retail purchases. Each order brings me closer to more cash back. So go ahead, add to cart and shop the latest styles, reinvent your look and reward yourself with Amex and try on the Blue Cash every day card. Learn more@americanexpress.com Explore BCE terms and cash back cap apply.
Nanit Baby Monitor Promoter
OK, can I be honest? When you're pregnant, everyone, and I mean everyone, has an opinion on what you should buy the thing experienced parents agree on a Nanit Smart baby video monitor. You don't need separate products for video breathing, motion monitoring and figuring out sleep cycles at 3am Nanit has that all covered. One camera, one app, more peace of mind. Nanit tells you when baby's crying, standing or finally asleep and video history catches all the cute moments. You'll want to send to the group chat. You can check in on the app from anywhere, like book club or your own bed, which you'll be spending a lot of time in. Here's the best part. Thanks to personalized sleep insights and guidance, NANIT parents get 36 more nights of sleep per year, starting from night one. Add it to your registry, or shop@nanit.com
Commercial Announcer
Want to be a star? No problem. Anyone can shine on TikTok. Post your first video today. Real life, real story, real you download TikTok and get started
Cindy Overton
with Verbocare. Help is always ready before, during, and after your stay. We've planned for the plot twists, so support is always available because a great trip starts with peace of mind.
Episode Theme:
A grim and detailed look into current crime cases across the U.S., focusing on the Kentucky bank murders, the death penalty trial of FedEx driver Tanner Horner for the murder of Athena Strand, and a school stabbing incident in Tacoma, Washington. The episode provides courtroom insights, law enforcement perspectives, and reflections on the wider impacts of violent crime.
Cyndi Overton, co-host of “True Crime Time For,” recaps and analyzes recent, high-impact true crime stories. The episode’s tone is respectful yet raw, placing emphasis on the ripple effects of crime—especially for victims, their families, and communities. Overton’s goal is not only to inform but to humanize the headlines, highlighting the realities of grief, trauma, and the legal process.
[02:06]
[03:03–07:40]
[07:45–09:20]
[09:22–11:35]
[11:38–45:46]
Case Background
Courtroom Testimonies and Emotional Impact
Victim Impact Statements
Trial Process Update
[45:49–47:53]
[47:54–49:40]
In summary:
This episode of Real Life Real Crime’s “True Crime Time For” is a thorough, sober, and emotionally charged round-up of significant U.S. crime stories. Cyndi Overton shines by centering victims’ experiences and bringing real-world courtroom and investigative perspectives to listeners, offering both news and meaningful reflection.