Defense attorneys for Tanner Horner, the former FedEx driver who was sentenced to death in May for the murder of 7-year-old Athena Strand, have filed a motion for a new trial. The motion argues that the widespread media coverage surrounding the case intimidated key witnesses, who later refused to testify, and made it impossible for Horner to receive a fair trial. On June 1, Judge George Gallagher, who oversaw the murder trial, signed a protective order governing Horner’s motion for a new trial and related exhibits. The protective order basically says the sealed exhibits contain sensitive information that could harm Horner’s right to a fair trial, the integrity of the case and the privacy and/or security of other people if disclosed. Anyone who has access to the sealed material is forbidden from discussing, describing or sharing it with anyone not on the legal teams. Athena Strand trial Wise County May 20 Memorial for Athena Strand turns site of tragedy into place of remembrance Crime and Courts May 12 Tanner Horner files appeal after receiving death sentence for killing 7-year-old Athena Strand Wise County May 5 Tanner Horner sentenced to death by lethal injection for murder of Athena Strand ...read more read less