Horner, 34, previously pleaded guilty to capital murder and aggravated kidnapping. A jury is now deciding whether he will receive life in prison without parole or the death penalty.
During her testimony, Horner’s mother asked not to be shown on camera and spoke about her troubled upbringing, including dropping out of school, struggling with addiction, and experiencing abuse as a child. She said these experiences shaped much of her life and led to years of substance use and instability.
She also described her relationship with Horner’s father, alleging abuse, and spoke about raising her children while dealing with addiction and periods in rehabilitation. She recalled moments that reflected the instability of their home environment and said her son was later diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome.
When asked about her feelings toward him now, she said she is angry about what he has done but still loves him, adding that she does not love his actions.
Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty and have presented evidence in court related to the case. Testimony has outlined the events surrounding Athena Strand’s disappearance in November 2022. She was later found deceased, and authorities determined her cause of death.
