Unraveling the Mystery: The Murder of Kenneth Fandrich in Hillsboro, Oregon

In January 2023, detectives from the Hillsboro Police Department were confronted with a perplexing case that would challenge their investigative skills and reveal a web of personal turmoil. The victim, Kenneth “Kenny” Fandrich, a 56-year-old contract pipe fitter at Intel, was found dead in the parking garage of the tech giant’s facility. His death, initially appearing peaceful, soon spiraled into a complex investigation involving surveillance footage, a stalker, and a troubled marriage.

The Discovery of a Body

On the evening of January 27, 2023, officers received an urgent notification about a death at Intel. Detectives Stephanie Winter and Devin Rigo arrived at the scene, where they found Fandrich’s body inside his black Honda Civic. The circumstances were unusual; there was minimal blood, and his belongings-lunch bag, keys, and phone-were neatly arranged in the passenger seat. This lack of chaos led investigators to suspect foul play, despite the initial appearance of a natural death.

Fandrich’s wife, Tanya, had reported him missing earlier that evening when he failed to return home. Utilizing a location-sharing feature on their phones, she tracked him to the Intel parking lot, where she anxiously awaited the police’s arrival. Bodycam footage captured her distress as she sought answers about her husband’s whereabouts.

A Complicated Relationship

As detectives began their investigation, they learned about the complexities of Fandrich’s marriage. Tanya revealed that the couple had experienced difficulties in their relationship, prompting them to check in on each other more frequently. However, Tanya’s demeanor during the initial police interview raised suspicions. Detective Dayanna Mesch noted that Tanya appeared “monotone” and detached, which is often atypical for someone grieving a loved one.

The detectives were aware that the closest individuals to the deceased often become persons of interest. Tanya’s calmness, coupled with her admission of marital issues, led investigators to consider her as a potential suspect, albeit cautiously. They understood that grief manifests differently in everyone, and they needed to gather more evidence before jumping to conclusions.

Surveillance Footage: A Break in the Case

The investigation took a significant turn when detectives reviewed surveillance footage from the parking garage. They discovered a masked man, wearing a hard hat and tinted glasses, spray-painting security cameras earlier that day. This act of vandalism, which went unnoticed by Intel’s security, provided a crucial lead. The detectives identified a maroon Dodge van that had entered the garage around the same time as Fandrich’s death.

As they analyzed the footage, they observed Fandrich unlocking his car just before the masked man approached him. The detectives theorized that the suspect had attacked Fandrich as he entered his vehicle, leading to a struggle that resulted in his death. The autopsy later confirmed that Fandrich had died from “blunt and compressive trauma of the neck,” indicating a violent confrontation.

The Stalker: A Dark Twist

As the investigation progressed, Tanya disclosed that her husband had been stalked by a former boss, Dr. Steven Milner, a well-off veterinarian. Tanya and Milner had previously engaged in an affair, which ended in 2017 when it was exposed. Following the affair, Milner allegedly began harassing Fandrich, leading to a series of troubling incidents, including stalking and threats.

Detectives uncovered evidence of Milner’s obsession, including a tracking device placed on Fandrich’s vehicle. Tanya provided video footage from their home security camera, showing a figure lurking around their property. This revelation shifted the focus of the investigation toward Milner, who had the motive and means to harm Fandrich.

The Investigation Deepens

Detectives learned that Milner’s harassment escalated after Tanya ended their affair. Kenny had sought legal protection against Milner, but the harassment continued unabated. Friends of the couple described Milner as a compassionate veterinarian, but they were unaware of the darker side of his personality that had emerged following the affair.

As investigators pieced together the timeline of events, they discovered that Milner had been seen in the vicinity of the Intel parking garage on the day of Fandrich’s murder. The detectives were able to connect the dots between the earlier vandalism of the security cameras and the murder, leading them to believe that Milner had orchestrated the attack.

The Arrest and Charges

With mounting evidence against Milner, the Hillsboro Police Department arrested him on charges of murder and stalking. The case garnered significant media attention, not only for its tragic nature but also for the intricate personal dynamics involved. The courtroom drama that followed would reveal the complexities of human relationships and the lengths to which individuals might go when driven by jealousy and obsession.

Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale

The murder of Kenneth Fandrich serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary lives. It highlights the importance of addressing personal conflicts and the devastating consequences that can arise from unresolved issues. As the legal proceedings unfold, the community of Hillsboro is left to grapple with the tragic loss of a life cut short and the unsettling reality of domestic strife that can lead to violence.

This case not only underscores the critical role of law enforcement in unraveling complex investigations but also serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of vigilance in personal relationships. The story of Kenneth Fandrich is a poignant reminder that behind every headline lies a human story filled with love, loss, and the quest for justice.

The Dark Obsession: Unraveling the Murder of Kenny Fandrich

In a chilling tale of obsession and violence, the murder of Kenny Fandrich has captivated the public and raised questions about the nature of love, jealousy, and the lengths to which one might go to possess another. The investigation into Fandrich’s death has revealed a complex web of relationships, emotional turmoil, and a relentless pursuit that ultimately led to tragedy.

The Initial Investigation

Following the shocking death of Kenny Fandrich, investigators quickly turned their attention to Dr. Steven Milner, a veterinarian with a troubling obsession for Tanya, Kenny’s wife. Within days of the murder, detectives uncovered a series of love letters penned by Milner, revealing a deep emotional fixation. One letter read, “The one absolute rock, solid truth is that I love you. I have never loved anyone that way. … I am consumed by your soul.” Despite Tanya’s insistence that their affair had ended years prior, Milner’s letters continued, suggesting an unyielding attachment that transcended the boundaries of a typical relationship.

A Tumultuous Marriage

The dynamics of Tanya and Kenny’s marriage were far from stable. According to Detective Stephanie Winter, their relationship was marked by volatility, exacerbated by alcohol abuse. Kenny had faced domestic violence charges in the past, which were ultimately dropped, but the couple’s conflicts persisted. In August 2021, after another heated argument, Tanya was arrested, only to find Milner waiting for her upon her release. While Tanya claimed that nothing romantic occurred during her brief stay with Milner, the circumstances raised eyebrows among investigators.

Detective Devin Rigo noted the peculiar nature of Milner’s knowledge regarding Tanya’s arrest, questioning how he had learned of it so quickly. This incident marked a turning point, as Kenny filed for a protective order against Milner, fearing for his safety.

The Stalking Escalates

Milner’s obsession intensified, culminating in a series of alarming incidents. In March 2022, he followed Kenny from Oregon City to Hillsboro, prompting Kenny to call the police. Body camera footage captured Milner’s erratic behavior as he claimed to be concerned for Tanya’s safety, alleging that she had confided in him about Kenny’s abusive tendencies. Despite police warnings to cease contact, Milner’s harassment continued, leading to further distress for Kenny.

Kenny’s attorney, Michael Fuller, described the fear that enveloped his client, stating, “Kenny was absolutely in fear of his life.” The situation escalated to the point where Kenny crashed his car due to the stress of the ongoing harassment. In August 2022, after discovering a tracking device under his vehicle, Kenny took legal action against Milner, seeking damages for emotional distress and invasion of privacy.

The Murder

Tragically, just months later, Kenny Fandrich was found dead. Investigators quickly identified Milner as a prime suspect, but they needed concrete evidence to substantiate their suspicions. Detective Rigo and Winter were determined to gather the necessary proof, leading them to surveil Milner closely.

During a routine check-in, Milner appeared nervous, and investigators noted that he had applied makeup to cover a scratch on his nose, raising further suspicions. Just days after Kenny’s murder, Milner was arrested and charged with second-degree murder and stalking.

Unraveling the Evidence

As detectives delved deeper into the case, they uncovered a disturbing collection of items at Milner’s home, including a shrine dedicated to Tanya, complete with framed photographs and love notes. This unsettling discovery painted a picture of a man consumed by his obsession, willing to go to extreme lengths to eliminate any perceived threat to his desires.

The investigation took a significant turn when detectives focused on a maroon minivan seen in surveillance footage near the scene of the crime. This vehicle, believed to be a “burner car” used by Milner, became central to the investigation. Detectives discovered that Milner had been using various vehicles to stalk Kenny, further complicating the case.

The Home Depot Connection

A breakthrough came when investigators analyzed Milner’s vehicle’s GPS data, revealing that he had frequented a Home Depot near the time of the murder. Security footage showed Milner purchasing safety glasses and a hard hat, items that matched the disguise he wore during the attack on Kenny. This evidence linked him directly to the crime scene, as detectives believed the minivan was where the murder had taken place.

The Search for the Minivan

Despite the mounting evidence, one crucial piece remained elusive: the maroon minivan. After being abandoned, it was sold to a scrap metal company, prompting a race against time for detectives to retrieve it before it was destroyed. Detective Rigo and his team managed to locate the vehicle just before it was crushed, hoping to find forensic evidence that could solidify their case against Milner.

Conclusion

The tragic murder of Kenny Fandrich serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by obsession and unchecked emotions. As the investigation unfolds, it highlights the complexities of human relationships and the potential for love to turn into something dark and destructive. With Dr. Steven Milner now facing serious charges, the case continues to capture public attention, raising questions about the nature of obsession and the lengths individuals will go to in pursuit of their desires. The story of Kenny Fandrich is not just a tale of love gone wrong; it is a cautionary tale about the fine line between affection and obsession, and the devastating consequences that can ensue.

Trial of Steven Milner: A Gripping Case of Stalking and Murder

In a case that has captivated the public and raised serious questions about the effectiveness of stalking laws, Steven Milner, a veterinarian from Oregon, was found guilty of murdering Kenny Fandrich. The trial, which began on January 13, 2025, revealed a complex web of obsession, delusion, and tragic consequences, underscoring the dire need for more robust protections for victims of stalking.

The Crime Scene and Missing Evidence

The prosecution faced a significant hurdle right from the start: the loss of crucial evidence. A maroon minivan, believed to be the vehicle used by Milner to commit the crime, was destroyed at a scrapyard before investigators could examine it. Detective Devin Rigo expressed his frustration, stating, “I was able to watch one of my key pieces of evidence be crushed and taken away.” This minivan was not just a vehicle; it was a potential treasure trove of forensic evidence that could have solidified the prosecution’s case.

Despite this setback, prosecutors John Gerhard and Mahalee Streblow were determined to build a case against Milner. They relied on DNA evidence collected from Fandrich’s hands, which matched Milner’s. Rigo recalled the moment he received the DNA results, saying, “Oh my gosh, this is it.” The presence of Milner’s DNA on Fandrich’s body was a pivotal moment in the investigation, as it suggested a physical confrontation between the two men.

The Defense’s Strategy

In a surprising turn of events, Milner took the stand in his own defense. He admitted to spray-painting security cameras and waiting for Fandrich at the Intel garage but claimed he was trying to protect Tanya, Fandrich’s partner. His defense hinged on a convoluted narrative that he was acting out of a misguided sense of duty. “I was trying to get him arrested for driving while he was drunk,” Milner testified, attempting to justify his presence at the scene.

Prosecutor John Gerhard challenged Milner’s claims, questioning why he felt it was his responsibility to enforce traffic laws. The defense’s strategy seemed to aim for sympathy, portraying Milner as a man caught in a web of delusion rather than a cold-blooded killer. However, the jury was not swayed by this narrative.

The Verdict and Sentencing

After six hours of deliberation, the jury found Milner guilty of murder and multiple stalking charges. The verdict was a relief for Fandrich’s family and friends, who had witnessed the devastating impact of Milner’s actions. During the sentencing hearing on February 18, 2025, Tanya delivered a powerful statement, calling Milner a “vengeful, deceptive, manipulating, self-serving, aggressive, hateful, lying predator.” The court sentenced Milner to life in prison, with the possibility of parole after 25 years.

The Broader Implications of the Case

This case has sparked a broader conversation about the effectiveness of stalking laws in protecting victims. Kenny Fandrich had taken steps to safeguard himself, including contacting law enforcement and hiring a lawyer. Yet, as his attorney Michael Fuller pointed out, “Kenny did everything he could under the legal system, and it didn’t help him at all.” This raises critical questions about the adequacy of current laws and the resources available to victims of stalking.

Fuller has since filed a wrongful death suit against Milner on behalf of Fandrich’s estate, seeking damages that could potentially reach millions. He believes that Milner, who had made significant profits from real estate investments, should be held financially accountable for his actions.

Community Reactions and Reflections

The community’s reaction to the case has been one of shock and disbelief. Many who knew Milner as a respected veterinarian found it hard to reconcile the man they knew with the convicted murderer he has become. Cheryl Choquette, a former client, expressed her disbelief, stating, “I could not believe that it was the same guy.” Others, like Darlyn Robinson, speculated that Milner may have experienced a psychological break, saying, “I think that at some point he snapped.”

Detective Rigo echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the unpredictability of human behavior. “You never know what anybody is capable of,” he remarked, highlighting the duality that can exist within individuals. This case serves as a stark reminder that even those who appear to lead normal lives can harbor dark secrets.

Conclusion

The trial of Steven Milner is not just a story of a tragic murder; it is a cautionary tale about the complexities of human relationships and the urgent need for effective legal protections for victims of stalking. As the community grapples with the aftermath of this case, it is clear that more must be done to ensure that victims are heard and protected. The legal system must evolve to address the realities of stalking and its devastating consequences, ensuring that no one else suffers the fate of Kenny Fandrich.