In a shocking case that unfolded in Hillsboro, Oregon, detectives worked to unravel the mystery surrounding the death of Kenneth “Kenny” Fandrich, a 56-year-old contract pipe fitter. Fandrich was discovered dead in his vehicle at Intel’s parking garage in January 2023, prompting a significant investigation.
Key Details of the Case
- Date of Incident: January 2023
- Victim: Kenneth “Kenny” Fandrich, age 56
- Location: Intel parking garage in Hillsboro, Oregon
- Investigation Team: Detectives Stephanie Winter and Devin Rigo from the Hillsboro Police Department
Kenny Fandrich was reported missing by his wife, Tanya, when he didn’t return home from work. Accessing the couple’s shared phone location feature led her to the Intel parking structure, where police later found her husband deceased. Discouragingly, the initial findings suggested there was minimal blood, making the circumstances surrounding his death puzzling.
Surveillance Insights
Detectives discovered crucial security footage revealing a masked individual spraying cameras with blue paint shortly before Kenny was attacked. This masked person, later identified as Dr. Steven Milner, sported a hard hat and red-mirror tinted glasses, obscuring his identity.
- Time of Camera Tampering: 7 a.m. on the day of the incident
- Incident’s Timeline: Kenny was seen in the garage shortly after finishing his shift at 3:21 p.m.
Development of the Investigation
Detectives quickly correlated that Kenny was likely murdered in a maroon Dodge van, believed to be driven by Milner. Further investigations revealed that Fandrich suffered from blunt force trauma to the neck, confirming the necessity of further scrutiny on the hidden elements in Milner’s life.
Details About the Suspect
- Suspect: Dr. Steven Milner, a local veterinarian
- Personal Connection: Milner had a past romantic relationship with Tanya, which had ended but left lingering issues.
Detectives learned from Tanya that Milner had been obsessively stalking her husband following the end of their affair, escalating to harassment and threatening behavior. Evidence from a tracking device placed on Kenny’s vehicle indicated Milner’s continued surveillance of the couple.
Arrest and Trial
Investigators arrested Milner in January 2023, charging him with second-degree murder and stalking after they gathered substantial circumstantial evidence. A search of his belongings revealed items indicative of an unhealthy obsession with Tanya, including love letters and personal memorabilia, leading prosecutors to form a compelling case against him.
Legal Proceedings
During the trial in January 2025, Milner’s bizarre claims made it clear he believed himself justified in his actions. Ultimately, on February 18, 2025, he was found guilty of murder and multiple stalking charges, receiving a life sentence with the possibility of parole in 25 years.
Key Takeaways
This case highlights the severe consequences of stalking and the critical need to take such allegations seriously. The investigative team’s dedication and the supporting surveillance footage were pivotal in achieving justice for Kenny Fandrich.
The outcome has also triggered discussions on how legal frameworks can better protect victims of stalking from the potential dangers they face.
