Going West: True Crime Podcast
Episode 573: The Stalking Murder of Kenneth Fandrich
Hosts: Daphne Woolsoncroft & Heath Merryman
Release Date: January 13, 2026
Episode Overview
This episode delves into the tragic and chilling murder of Kenneth Fandrich, a Portland-area outdoorsman and animal lover who was stalked and ultimately killed by his wife’s former employer and lover, Dr. Stephen Milner. The case, described by the hosts as one of the wildest they've covered, exposes the terror of relentless stalking, systemic gaps in legal protection, and the fatal consequences of obsession.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Crime and Victim Background
[03:50 - 07:41]
- Discovery of the Body:
In January 2023, Kenneth "Kenny" Fandrich was found dead in his car in a work garage in Hillsboro, Oregon. The scene initially appeared to be a medical emergency but was quickly revealed to be a murder upon further inspection and video evidence. - Kenny’s Life:
Born in 1966, Kenny was remembered as compassionate, humorous, and deeply passionate about the outdoors and animals. He and his wife, Tanya, built a life together—a home filled with pets and a shared love for nature. Kenny worked as a pipe fitter at Intel at the time of his death.
2. The Crime Scene and Early Investigation
[07:41 - 15:44]
- The Staged Scene:
Kenny was found upright, “as if he'd passed peacefully,” with his belongings neatly arranged, but red marks on his neck indicated strangulation. Surveillance revealed a masked figure spray-painting security cameras—pointing to premeditation. - Wife’s Immediate Accusation:
Shockingly, Tanya immediately identified the likely killer: Dr. Stephen Milner, her former boss and ex-lover, with whom she’d had a five-month affair years earlier.
3. Stalking & Escalation
[18:11 - 28:27]
- Milner’s Dark Side:
Stephen Milner, an admired vet and community figure, turned menacing after Tanya ended their brief affair.- He harassed Tanya with calls, letters, and threats, and began targeting Kenny, even making chilling threats of dismemberment.
- Memorable Quote: “He’s a psychopath. He told me he’s going to chop me up into a million pieces and make sure it takes days to do it.” – (Kenny recounting Milner’s words to police) [27:44]
- Repeatedly Ignored Pleas for Help:
Kenny and Tanya reported stalking and harassment to police. Despite evidence such as trackers on their car and restraining orders, legal intervention was insufficient, and the threats continued for years.
4. The Affair & Its Aftermath
[21:00 - 27:43]
- Origins of the Affair:
Tanya, feeling lonely in her troubled marriage, was drawn to Milner’s attention.- “I was lonely, and someone was paying attention to me. It was wrong, and I will regret it for the rest of my life.” – Tanya [22:04]
- The affair ended abruptly when Kenny discovered it, but Milner refused to accept rejection.
- Escalation to Obsession:
Milner stalked both Tanya and Kenny, placing trackers and appearing at their home—once army crawling in their garage caught on security footage.
5. Failures of the Justice System
[35:25 - 46:34]
- Restraining Orders and Stalking Charges:
Multiple restraining orders and police reports were ignored or not aggressively prosecuted.- “Literally all the officer did was tell Steven that he was coming close to being arrested on stalking charges instead of taking him into custody…” – Daphne [44:05]
- Host Frustration with Legal System:
Heath and Daphne express outrage at the system:- “Years of him reporting this to you guys, and you don’t take real action until his life ends.” – Heath [45:39]
- “There’s truly not a ton that police can do about stalking because we do not have very strict stalking laws here in the US.” – Daphne [46:14]
6. The Murder and Investigation
[12:31 - 51:09]
- Premeditation Uncovered:
Milner disguised himself and spray-painted cameras hours before the killing—video captured his movements and car (a maroon Dodge Caravan, purchased for the crime).- “He had purchased the cars in cash on Craigslist under an assumed name.” – Heath [49:48]
- Critical Evidence:
Security footage, DNA under Kenny’s fingernails, and a “shrine” to Tanya in Milner’s home—containing her photo and mementos—implicated Milner.- “Detectives recovered what they described as a shrine to Tanya in Steven's nightstand: underwear, condoms, and a framed picture of her…” – Heath [47:19]
- Arrest and Weak Defense:
Milner tried claiming self-defense, but the evidence (cut on his nose, shopping records for disguise items, DNA) was overwhelming.
7. Trial & Aftermath
[52:39 - 57:55]
- Conviction:
Milner was found guilty of second-degree murder and multiple counts of violating a stalking protection order.
Sentenced to life with the possibility of parole after 25 years. - Tanya’s Victim Statement:
In court, Tanya spoke powerfully against Milner and the failings of law enforcement:- “I love Kenny. Kenny loved me. We weren’t perfect, but there was no shortage of love, commitment and partnership between us. And you couldn’t stand that. You became the root of our problems. I feared you, not Kenny. … Kenny is dead because of you. This is all because of you.” – Tanya [54:51]
- “I believe that if you’d known that the little things you were doing actually caused us marital problems, it would have only encouraged you.” – Tanya [56:16]
- “No one believes you. … They could not, nor did they even try to deny what you’ve done. Their only defense strategy was to persecute Kenny and me.” – Tanya [57:26]
8. Systemic Reflections
[46:14, 46:51]
- The hosts repeatedly call for reform and better legal action against stalkers:
- “There has to be something like that we can do as a giant group to put an end to this. There’s too many stories like this, and it’s honestly sick.” – Heath [46:51]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On Steven’s Disguise:
- “If you’ve ever seen the films The Prowler or My Bloody Valentine, that is what the vibe is giving me.” – Daphne [11:38]
- On the System’s Failure:
- “Literally all the officer did was tell Steven that he was coming close to being arrested on stalking charges instead of taking him into custody…” – Daphne [44:05]
- On Kenny’s Fear:
- "He told his friends, family, lawyer, and even Tanya that it was only a matter of time before Steven got to him." – Daphne [45:03]
- On Tanya’s Regret:
- “I was lonely, and someone was paying attention to me. It was wrong, and I will regret it for the rest of my life.” – Tanya [22:04]
- On the Obsession:
- “I wanted you all for myself. The only time I remember being happy in the last years was when I was with you.” – Milner in a letter [38:43]
Timestamps for Major Segments
- Kenny’s Life & Marriage: [03:50 - 07:41]
- Crime Scene Discovery: [07:41 - 12:31]
- Security Footage & Disguise Detail: [12:31 - 15:44]
- Affair & Stalking Backstory: [18:11 - 28:27]
- Restraining Orders and Police Reports: [35:25 - 46:34]
- Investigation & Evidence Collection: [47:18 - 51:09]
- Arrest and Trial: [52:39 - 57:55]
- Tanya’s Impact Statement: [54:51 - 57:55]
- Reflections on Stalking Laws: [46:14, 46:51]
Podcast Tone & Style
The discussion is candid, occasionally irreverent, and deeply empathetic toward the victim. The hosts use vivid analogies to pop culture and horror movies, balancing levity with horror to underscore the seriousness and senselessness of the crime. They neither shy from condemning the perpetrator nor from criticizing systemic failings.
Final Thoughts and Takeaway
This episode is a stark warning of how stalking can escalate to lethal violence and showcases the tragic outcome when institutions fail to intervene. The hosts urge listeners to reflect on stalking laws and join them in advocating for change. The chilling details—caught on security footage and revealed through testimony—paint a portrait of obsession turned deadly, and a system still in need of reform.
Recommended Listening:
- For additional context on similar failures in stalking cases, the hosts suggest their recent episode on Kristeel Krug.
- Ongoing updates on the Monique and Spencer Tepe case are also available on their feed.
For photos and video discussed in this case, visit @goingwestpodcast on Instagram or TikTok.