48 Hours: Post Mortem | Murder in The Parking Garage
Episode Date: October 7, 2025
Host: Ann Marie Green
Guest: Natalie Morales (48 Hours correspondent)
Overview
In this episode of "Post Mortem," host Ann Marie Green and correspondent Natalie Morales dissect the complex investigation into the murder of Kenneth Vandridge, found dead in his car in an Intel parking garage in Hillsborough, Oregon. Despite a masked assailant spray-painting the cameras, investigators pieced together clues—including an unusual forehead crease and a history of stalking—to eventually charge and convict veterinarian Stephen Milner. The episode explores remarkable procedural detective work, the impact of stalking, courtroom drama, and the far-reaching consequences for those involved.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
The Crime Scene and Initial Investigation
[00:57-03:50]
- Setting: Kenneth Vandridge ("Kenny"), a contract pipe fitter, is found dead in the driver's seat of his car in an Intel parking garage—a location with extensive video surveillance.
- Surveillance: Unusual for crime scenes, the garage is heavily covered by security cameras, complicating a murderer's efforts to go undetected.
- Camera Sabotage:
- Security informed investigators that a month prior, several cameras had been spray-painted in an apparent act of mischief.
- Investigators solved that the vandalism was likely a dry run for the actual murder, indicating premeditation.
Quote:
"It seemed that Stephen Milner had been plotting this for a while, according to investigators. I mean, they do believe it was a test run."
— Natalie Morales [03:50]
The Critical Surveillance Footage
[04:19-07:07]
- Crucial Evidence:
- Despite most footage being obliterated by spray paint, a sliver of one camera captured a maroon minivan—identified as the killer's vehicle.
- Investigators tracked this minivan via other campus cameras, but never captured a clear facial shot of the perpetrator.
- Forensic Insight:
- The only visible bit of skin—a unique crease above the suspect's forehead—became a pivotal identifier.
- The crease, a rare genetic trait, was noticed in prior surveillance connected to the initial ‘test run.’
Quotes:
"That forehead crease was such an identifying characteristic... it's very rare that you see that forehead crinkle. So it was definitely something that was a huge break in the case."
— Natalie Morales [06:22]
"Now you're, like, making me think about my forehead, but there's a wee bit of Botox up there, so it's not crinkling…"
— Ann Marie Green [07:07]
Focus on the Immediate Family and the Stalker
[07:15-09:43]
- Investigators’ First Suspect: Kenny's wife, Tanya, was initially scrutinized due to her proximity and knowledge of his schedule—standard in such cases.
- Tanya's Statement: She disclosed her husband had a stalker and that her former affair partner, Stephen Milner, had a disturbing fixation on both her and Kenny.
- Milner’s Persona: Despite being a respected community veterinarian, Milner had been “actively stalking” both Tanya and Kenny, even after the affair ended.
Quote:
"…as Tanya tells that officer, she said, my husband has a stalker. And Tanya revealed that she had had a relationship with Steven Milner… that he was still actively stalking Kenneth Vandridge and also keeping track of her…"
— Natalie Morales [08:03]
Milner's Motives and Behavior
[09:43-11:01]
- Milner’s Justifications: In a police bodycam video, Milner insisted he was trying to save Tanya from Kenny due to a history of alleged domestic abuse.
- Complex Relationships: The marriage between Tanya and Kenny was troubled with incidents of alcohol-related violence, but Tanya maintained the affair with Milner was long over and she was committed to working through her marriage.
Quote:
"…there had been issues between Tonya and Kenny foundridge of domestic abuse. Steven Milner really felt like he was the one that could save Tanya from what he felt could be a dangerous situation for her."
— Natalie Morales [10:08]
Building the Case amid Lost Evidence
[12:28-15:45]
- Linking Milner to the Murder:
- Investigators searched Milner’s house and found a room with a “shrine” to Tanya and incriminating letters, supporting motive.
- Crucially, Milner drove a different (“burner”) maroon minivan, traced via surveillance and parking lot records.
- Lost Physical Evidence:
- By tracking the minivan, detectives located it—only to watch it be crushed at a scrapyard, losing potentially decisive evidence before they could secure it.
Quote:
"…their biggest clue... the minivan was the murder scene just a week earlier had been crushed. So unfortunately, that big clue... was then gone right before their eyes."
— Natalie Morales [14:00]
The Detectives' Work and Forensic Breakthrough
[16:03-17:03]
- Team Dynamics: Detectives Stephanie Winter (her first homicide) and Devin Riegel (seasoned) were credited with doggedly connecting the disparate evidence, forming a highly effective investigative team.
- DNA Evidence: Despite the lost vehicle, Milner’s DNA was found on Kenny’s hands, providing crucial forensic proof tying him to the scene.
Quote:
"They did have DNA as well. You know, Steven Milner's DNA was on Kenny Fandridge's hands. So that was crucial…"
— Natalie Morales [17:26]
The Trial and Milner’s Defense
[18:01-19:54]
- Trial Challenges: With much forensic evidence literally destroyed, the prosecution leaned heavily on surveillance, DNA, and documented patterns of Milner’s stalking.
- Milner’s Testimony: In a rare move, Milner took the stand, admitting to being present and to defacing cameras. He claimed he acted in self-defense after Kenny attacked him—a claim at odds with the physical and circumstantial evidence.
Notable Exchange:
"Did you punch Kenneth Vandridge?"
— Defense Attorney Amanda Te [18:54]
"Me? I don't know."
— Stephen Milner [18:54]
“His whole, you know, self-defense defense really didn't make sense, really.”
— Natalie Morales [20:09]
The Verdict and Aftermath
[21:11-23:45]
- Outcome: Milner was found guilty of murder and stalking, sentenced to life with parole possible in 25 years.
- Victim Impact: Tanya, the target of years of stalking, is left to process both trauma and loss. She has since filed a wrongful death civil suit, with Milner’s sizable estate potentially facing damages.
Quote:
"She looked at Stephen Milner and she said all you had to do was stop."
— Natalie Morales [21:45]
- Systemic Flaws: Multiple protection orders, police intervention, and vigilant reporting by Tanya and Kenny failed to deter or prevent a fatal outcome.
Final Reflection:
"If there is a lesson... it's that stalking behavior is not normal. Right. It's not something to be dismissed and you should take it seriously."
— Ann Marie Green [23:45]
Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes
-
On the importance of a tiny video clue:
"That one tenth of a slip up, as you said, was huge for the investigators..."
— Natalie Morales [04:48] -
The unique physical feature that broke open the case:
"That forehead crease was such an identifying characteristic."
— Natalie Morales [06:22] -
On the heartbreak for victims:
"They did everything that they were supposed to do, and they still were not protected."
— Ann Marie Green [21:11]
Important Timestamps
- [00:57] – Host introduces the case and guest
- [03:50] – Natalie describes the crucial dry run of camera sabotage
- [06:22] – Identifying the suspect by a unique forehead crease
- [08:03] – Tanya reveals Stephen Milner’s stalking
- [10:08] – Milner’s self-justifications and community persona
- [14:00-15:45] – Investigators miss recovering key vehicle evidence by days
- [17:26] – DNA evidence links Milner to the crime
- [18:29-19:54] – Milner testifies, claiming self-defense
- [21:11] – Verdict and sentencing
- [21:45] – Tanya’s victim statement and civil suit
Lessons and Tone
The tone is empathetic, deliberate, and focused on both the procedural complexity and the emotional aftermath for victims. The story highlights the limits of legal protection against stalking and the need for vigilance and improved systemic response.
End of summary.