This case first came to light on January 27, 2023, when detectives Stephanie Winter and Devin Rigo from Hillsboro, Oregon, responded to an unusual crime scene. They found Kenneth “Kenny” Fandrich, a 56-year-old contract pipe fitter at Intel, dead inside a car at an Intel parking garage. His wife, Tanya, who had tracked his location through their shared phone app, discovered him missing when he didn’t return home.
Investigation at the Crime Scene
When the Hillsboro police arrived, they found Kenny’s body in a peaceful state, with minimal blood. His belongings, including his lunch, keys, and phone, were neatly arranged. Detectives noted the unusual state of the scene, primarily due to the absence of violent signs.
Tanya Fandrich’s Initial Interactions
In the Mobile Command Center on the night of Kenny’s death, detectives interviewed Tanya. Her demeanor was notably monotone, raising initial suspicions, although detectives reminded themselves that grief manifests differently in each person. Tanya revealed that she and Kenny had frequent marital issues, prompting them to check on each other’s whereabouts regularly.
Surveillance and the Masked Intruder
During the investigation, security footage was reviewed, revealing a masked man spraying cameras with blue paint earlier that day. Detectives discovered that the suspect, dressed in construction attire, managed to evade Intel security. They tracked the movements of a suspicious maroon van seen on the footage, suspecting it was connected to the suspect who appeared to grab Kenny upon his return to his vehicle that day.
Unraveling the Identity of the Stalker
Detectives learned from Tanya about a stalker whom she identified as Dr. Steven Milner, her former boss. Investigations into Dr. Milner revealed a history of harassment against Kenny, notably a series of threatening incidents captured on the couple’s home security system.
The Complex Relationship with Dr. Milner
Tanya disclosed to investigators that she once had an affair with Dr. Milner, which ran concurrent with a period when her marriage to Kenny was troubled. Although that relationship ended, Milner’s interest in Tanya did not. Around August 2021, despite having moved on, Tanya was bailed out by Milner after an arrest prompted by a domestic dispute with Kenny. This encounter reiterated Milner’s powerful fixation on her.
The Pursuit of Evidence
While seeking to gather sufficient evidence against Milner, detectives collected DNA samples and scrutinized his movements through vehicle GPS data. They connected Milner to the crime day’s events but still lacked the maroon minivan, a crucial piece of the puzzle.
Conclusion of the Trial
Ultimately, the jury found Dr. Steven Milner guilty of second-degree murder and stalking, influenced by DNA evidence and Milner’s attempts to conceal his identity and activities. Despite missing forensic evidence from the minivan, the sum of circumstantial evidence, including Milner’s distinct physical features, definitively linked him to Kenny’s murder. He was sentenced to life in prison with eligibility for parole after 25 years.
Grief and Legal Repercussions
Kenny’s untimely death highlighted significant gaps and challenges in how the legal system addresses stalking. His attorney sought justice through a civil suit, culminating in a $1.2 million settlement between Milner’s estate and Kenny’s survivors, acknowledging the devastating impact of Milner’s actions.