Background of the Case

In January 2023, detectives Stephanie Winter and Devin Rigo of the Hillsboro, Oregon Police Department discovered a crime scene unlike any they had encountered before. The deceased was Kenneth “Kenny” Fandrich, a 56-year-old contract pipe fitter found inside an Oregon parking garage. His wife, Tanya, reported him missing when he failed to return home on time.

Natalie Morales questioned the detectives about their initial impressions of the case. Detective Stephanie Winter remarked on its unusual nature, noting that circumstances surrounding Kenny’s death did not appear violent, despite his peaceful appearance inside his vehicle.

The Investigation Begins

Security cameras in the parking garage captured a man wearing a hard hat and red-mirror tinted glasses who spray-painted several cameras earlier in the day, managing to evade Intel security. Detectives focused on images showing a maroon van linked to the suspect. Under blue spray paint, they traced the van’s movements but could not see the driver or the vehicle’s license plates. Kenny Fandrich’s Honda Civic had flashed its headlights—possibly a sign of distress—before the masked man apparently dragged him into the van.

Potential Person of Interest

Investigators looked into details about Kenny’s life and spoke to Tanya at the scene, where she revealed he had a stalker. Tanya’s old boss, Dr. Steven Milner, a wealthy veterinarian, was identified as the possible suspect. Tanya explained she and Milner had an affair in 2017, which led to escalating harassment from Milner after she returned to Kenny.

The veterinarian allegedly stalked Kenny, placing tracking devices on his vehicles and following him. Police had previously been informed about Milner’s threats, but his obsession continued. Even when ordered to cease contact, Milner pursued stealthy methods with “burner cars”—vehicles he used to follow Kenny without direct links to him.

Building the Case

After Kenny’s murder, significant focus turned to tracing Milner’s movements. Detectives discovered Milner had purchased a pair of safety glasses and a hard hat from Home Depot—a disguise matching that seen on surveillance footage from Intel’s garage.

Despite crucial lost evidence—the maroon minivan demolished moments before retrieval—other evidence emerged. DNA analysis on Kenny’s hands connected the crime to Milner, a significant forensic link reinforcing the case.

The Trial

Steven Milner faced trial in January 2025. Despite missing physical evidence from the van, prosecutors presented ample circumstantial evidence, accentuated by Milner’s DNA found on Kenny’s hands. Milner testified, claiming his intent was merely to save Tanya from harm, presenting a defense viewed as delusional.

Verdict and Sentencing

After deliberation, Milner was convicted of murder and stalking. Tanya Fandrich delivered a powerful statement during sentencing, criticizing Milner’s harmful obsession. The court sentenced Milner to life imprisonment, with the possibility of parole after 25 years.

The Aftermath

Kenny’s estate filed a wrongful death suit against Milner, seeking damages. These proceedings highlighted the severe consequences of stalking and the struggles of victims navigating legal protections that can sometimes fail them.