HILLSBORO, OR – A former Oregon veterinarian will spend life behind bars after being convicted of murdering his ex-lover’s husband in a meticulously premeditated attack, officials said Wednesday.
Steven Neil Milner, 58, was sentenced for the January killing of 56-year-old Kenneth Fandrich following a conviction for second-degree murder, stalking, and multiple violations of a stalking protective order.
The tragic events unfolded after Milner developed a romantic relationship with Fandrich’s wife, who was an employee at his Oregon City veterinary practice. When the affair ended, Milner’s infatuation turned into an unsettling fixation, according to prosecutors.
Fandrich and his wife experienced relentless harassment from Milner, leading them to secure a protective order in the spring of 2022 as the situation escalated. Despite this legal restraint, Milner’s actions became increasingly invasive, culminating in a chilling, premeditated plan to ambush Fandrich.
Using GPS trackers on their vehicles, Milner kept an unyielding watch over the couple’s movements. His surveillance extended to several visits to Fandrich’s residence and workplace at Intel Corp. in Hillsboro. In a bid to conceal his actions, Milner tampered with security cameras and used false identities to follow Fandrich surreptitiously.
On January 27, 2023, the events reached a tragic climax. Disguised in a construction outfit, Milner waited for Fandrich in a parking structure at the Intel campus. When Fandrich approached his vehicle post-shift, Milner attacked and strangled him before attempting to stage the scene to suggest a natural death had occurred.
Fandrich’s body was discovered in his vehicle by authorities shortly after. Milner was apprehended within days, his self-defense argument swiftly dismantled by a jury.
During the trial, Milner was starkly described by acquaintances as a seeming paragon of kindness in his professional life. However, the darker undertones of his personality painted him as a “Jekyll and Hyde” figure following the murder, a characterization confirmed through testimonies and evidence presented in court.
Fandrich, remembered fondly by family and friends, was noted as a passionate outdoorsman and entrepreneur. His obituary highlighted his love for the wilderness and his talent in various outdoor sports. Known for his generous spirit, Fandrich had a reputation for rescuing animals and fostering a community around his love for nature and companionship.
In the wake of his tragic death, those who knew Fandrich remembered him for his compassion and warm-hearted nature, reflecting on a legacy marked by kindness and an unwavering willingness to help others.