A Texas high school cheerleader is facing felony charges after allegedly poisoning a rival’s show goat out of jealousy, according to an arrest affidavit and the goat’s owner. Aubrey Vanlandingham, a 17-year-old senior who also participated in competitive livestock shows, reportedly admitted to intentionally poisoning the goat named Willy on October 23.
Security footage from Vista Ridge High School’s barn facility showed a female student using a drench gun to force-feed Willy a toxic pesticide. The 6-month-old goat attempted to escape but was ultimately cornered and made to ingest the pesticide. The student, identified as Vanlandingham, was seen leaving the barn but returned twice within two hours to check on Willy before notifying the goat’s owner that the animal was unwell.
Willy died less than 24 hours later in his owner’s arms, suffering from convulsions and respiratory distress. Vanlandingham allegedly told police she had poisoned the goat because she believed the goat’s owner’s 15-year-old daughter was cheating in the livestock competition. She also reportedly confessed to attempting to poison Willy previously without success.
The mother of the 15-year-old girl told the DailyMail that Vanlandingham admitted to poisoning the goat multiple times over several days. The mother expressed her hope that Vanlandingham would face jail time and receive mental health support, stating that they did not believe she showed any remorse for her actions.
A necropsy performed by a caprine pathologist confirmed that the goat died from organophosphate intoxication due to phosmet, a pesticide commonly used for external parasite control in livestock. The police investigation also revealed that Vanlandingham’s phone search history included inquiries about lethal doses of bleach for animals and methods of poisoning pets. She also reportedly searched for ways to clear her search history.
Despite being named the president of her school’s Future Farmers of America and participating in goat shows with her own pet, Lacey, Vanlandingham was allegedly jealous of her younger competitor. The mother of the 15-year-old competitor told the Daily Mail that Vanlandingham’s claims of cheating made no sense, as it was not possible to cheat in goat shows.
Vanlandingham was arrested on November 22 and charged with cruelty to livestock animals, a felony in Texas. She was released the same day on a $5,000 bond. If convicted, she could face up to two years in prison. She has been banned from attending her high school while the case is ongoing and is scheduled to appear in court on January 15.