Security video helps lead Oregon detectives to a masked killer who tried to hide the crime

The Unusual Case of Kenneth Fandrich's Murder

The murder of Kenneth Fandrich, a 56-year-old contract pipe fitter, in a Hillsboro, Oregon, parking garage was a puzzling case for detectives. The scene did not appear violent, with minimal blood present. Fandrich's wife, Tanya, had reported him missing when he was late getting home. She had tracked his location to the Intel parking lot using their shared phone locations.

The Hillsboro Police Mobile Command Center was stationed at the scene, and detectives first talked to Tanya there. Detective Dayanna Mesch was the first to interview Tanya, who seemed 'very monotone' and 'out of her body.' Mesch learned more about why Tanya had been at the scene, including their past marital issues and their habit of checking in on each other more often.

The detectives' first clues came from those surveillance cameras. Security cameras captured a masked man wearing glasses and a hard hat spraying security cameras with blue paint inside the Hillsboro, Oregon, Intel parking garage. The detectives discovered that the man had actually spray-painted those cameras around 7 a.m. earlier that same day, his movements undetected by Intel security.

The detectives locked in on images of a vehicle they believed belonged to the suspect. They tracked the van's movements camera by camera before it disappeared. Under a layer of blue spray paint, moments later they could just make out the van pulling into a parking spot. The detectives then identified the van as an older, maroon-colored Dodge van.

The detectives' use of surveillance footage to track the killer is a notable example of innovative policing. The case highlights the importance of using all available resources, including security cameras, to solve crimes. The detectives' determination and creativity in tracking down the killer ultimately led to the identification of the suspect and the solving of the case.

The Investigation

The detectives' investigation was thorough and meticulous. They reviewed the security footage frame by frame, looking for any clues that might lead them to the killer. They also interviewed Tanya and other witnesses, gathering more information about the case.

The detectives' use of technology, including surveillance cameras and key fob data, was instrumental in solving the case. The key fob data showed that Fandrich had unlocked his car with his key fob, and the detectives believe that the masked man grabbed Fandrich at that moment.

The Aftermath

The case has had a significant impact on the community. The detectives' use of surveillance footage to track the killer has raised awareness about the importance of security cameras in preventing and solving crimes. The case also highlights the importance of innovative policing and the use of technology to solve crimes.

The case has also raised questions about the effectiveness of security cameras in preventing and solving crimes. While the cameras were able to capture the killer's movements, they were also able to be spray-painted, highlighting the need for more effective security measures.