Defense rests in Tanner Horner case, rebuttal witness testifies Tanner Horner sexually assaulted him as a child

Tanner Horner's defense attorneys rested their case on Monday morning in his sentencing for the murder and kidnapping of Athena Strand.

On its tenth day of calling witnesses, the defense team closed with Jolie Brams, a forensic psychologist who was asked to evaluate Horner's developmental history.

Brams testified that her evaluation was based on meeting with Horner over about 12 hours across multiple sessions in jail, interviews with his family, and reviewing numerous records about him. She described Horner's upbringing as neglectful, which impacted his development, and said he shows signs of developmental immaturity and struggles with adult functioning.

Brams said Horner's autism and other impairments did not cause him to commit the crime and are not excuses or justifications, but "set the stage" for his life.

Horner's defense is attempting to convince the jury to sentence Horner to life in prison, while prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. 

The prosecution is called three rebuttal witnesses, including a relative of Horner's, referred to by only his first name, Billy.

Billy told the jury that he is first cousins with Horner's half-brother, but they were raised like cousins. Billy alleged that Horner sexually assaulted him two times when they were children and teens. He also testified that Horner had said he wondered what it would be like to kill somebody.

Prosecutors also called an official from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to testify about prison conditions, and a forensic psychiatrist.

Closing arguments are set for Tuesday morning.