A teenage cheerleader in Texas is facing felony charges after allegedly using pesticide to poison and kill a rival’s competitive show goat at their high school, described as a troubling case of jealousy. Aubrey Vanlandingham, the 17-year-old senior at Vista Ridge High School, reportedly confessed to intentionally killing the goat, named Willy, on October 23. Her actions were captured through security footage, illustrating her use of a drench gun to force-feed the goat toxic pesticide.
According to the arrest affidavit obtained by CBS Austin, the footage confirmed Vanlandingham's involvement. The footage showed her cornering the frightened Willy, who attempted to escape but was eventually trapped. Vanlandingham left the scene but returned twice within two hours to check on him before calling her rival’s mother to report Willy was unwell.
Tragically, Willy succumbed to death less than 24 hours later, displaying convulsions and respiratory distress. The incident shocked not just the goat's owner and family but has sent ripples through the community around Cedar Park. Vanlandingham allegedly admitted to police her actions stemmed from believing the goat's owner, the 15-year-old daughter of her classmate, was cheating during competitions.
“I don't like cheaters,” she told law enforcement when questioned about her motives, as reported by CBS Austin. The mother of the competing goat and Willy’s owner expressed disbelief over the events and described the situation as bizarre. “She admitted to poisoning him multiple times over several days. So it’s a pretty rough situation,” the mother revealed to the Daily Mail.
A necropsy, performed by a caprine pathologist, confirmed Willy’s death resulted from organophosphate intoxication from phosmet, the pesticide used commonly to control external parasites on livestock. The swift demise of Willy has left many questioning the motivations and mindset of Vanlandingham. It appears the pressure of competition coupled with personal feelings led to this tragic event.
Investigators unraveled more details of Vanlandingham's background, noting she had recently been named president of her school's chapter of the Future Farmers of America, highlighting her involvement with livestock shows. Despite her achievements, her jealousy of Willy, who appeared to outshine her own goat, Lacey, seemed to fuel her drastic actions. “She’s saying it’s because of cheating. But from what we’ve deciphered, she was just really jealous,” the victim's mother remarked on the situation.
Law enforcement’s investigation revealed alarming internet search activity on Vanlandingham’s phone, including inquiries about lethal doses for animals and methods to poison pets. Among these searches, she tried to cover her tracks by investigating how to clear her search history. This led to additional alarms about her premeditated intention to harm Willy.
Following her arrest on November 22, Vanlandingham was charged with cruelty to livestock animals, which is classified as a felony under Texas law. After appearing before authorities, she was released on bail set at $5,000. If convicted, she could face up to two years behind bars and substantial fines. The teenager has been prohibited from attending school during the legal proceedings, and she is expected to appear in court on January 15, 2024.
The ramifications of this case extend beyond the courtroom and highlight broader discussions about animal rights, competition ethics, and mental health among youth. The school district, Leander Independent School District, released a statement expressing sorrow over the incident. “The district believes the security measures, including surveillance footage as well as routine supervision by agriculture science teachers, provided the evidence law enforcement needed to complete the investigation,” it stated, confirming disciplinary action was taken.
The bizarre and tragic death of Willy serves as both cautionary and alarming within the community, igniting conversations on behavioral health and the pressures youth face under competitive circumstances. Each stakeholder, from the affected student’s family to the school district, continue to seek resolution as the case progresses through the legal system.
The owner of Willy is advocating for justice, hoping the legal system addresses Vanlandingham’s actions effectively. “We want justice served, we don’t want a slap on the wrist,” said the mother of the girl whose goat was killed, her anger and disappointment palpable. “She needs to be punished for what she’s done.”
The next court appearance will be closely watched by those affected by the tragedy as they seek closure and accountability for the senseless act of cruelty demonstrated against Willy, the young show goat.