Veterinarian Had an Affair with a Married Woman. When She Cut Ties, He Became Obsessed and Murdered Her Husband

An Oregon veterinarian has been found guilty of the murder of Kenneth Fandrich, who was killed after an affair between the veterinarian and Fandrich’s wife. Steven N. Milner, a licensed veterinarian in Oregon City, was convicted of seven counts, including second-degree murder and stalking, in relation to the tragic death of Fandrich in 2023, as per a press release from the Washington County District Attorney’s Office.

The prosecution revealed that Milner had engaged in an affair with Fandrich’s wife, who was also his employee. When Fandrich discovered the affair and his wife ended the relationship with Milner, things took a darker turn. Milner became fixated on Fandrich and his wife, leading to years of stalking behaviour towards both individuals. Milner, aged 58 at the time of the crime, relentlessly pursued the 57-year-old Fandrich, even after a stalking protective order was issued against him in March 2022.

Despite the restraining order, Milner continued to harass Fandrich by installing GPS tracking devices on his vehicles and following him to his home and workplace multiple times. Milner went to extreme lengths, purchasing cars on Craigslist under a false identity to surveil Fandrich discreetly. The situation escalated on January 27, 2023, when Milner donned a disguise, vandalised security cameras near Fandrich’s workplace, and then proceeded to fatally attack him in a parking lot after work.

Following the murder, Milner attempted to stage the scene to make it appear as though Fandrich had died of natural causes. However, an autopsy later revealed injuries consistent with a violent altercation that led to Fandrich’s death. During the trial, Milner claimed that he acted in self-defense after being assaulted by Fandrich, but the evidence presented suggested otherwise.

Milner’s sentencing is scheduled for February 18 as he faces the consequences of his actions. The tragic story serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of obsession and violence in the context of complicated relationships. The justice system’s decision to hold Milner accountable for his heinous crime brings a sense of closure to this harrowing chapter for the victims’ families and the community at large.

This case underscores the importance of taking stalking and harassment seriously, as unchecked behaviours can escalate to tragic outcomes. The prosecution’s meticulous presentation of evidence and the subsequent guilty verdict highlight the commitment to seeking justice for the victims of such senseless acts of violence. As the legal proceedings continue, the hope is that this case will raise awareness about the dangers of toxic relationships and the devastating consequences that can result from unchecked obsession and possessiveness.