A Texas high school student is facing serious charges after allegedly killing a classmate’s goat by poisoning it with pesticide.
Aubrey Vanlandingham, 17, has been charged with felony cruelty to livestock animals, according to court documents.
The incident happened in October at a school barn in Cedar Park, Texas. Police say Vanlandingham used a drench gun to force-feed pesticide to the goat, named Willie. According to an arrest affidavit, she even recorded a video of the animal and sent it to its owner.
The next day, Willie died after suffering convulsions and trouble breathing. A necropsy confirmed pesticide poisoning as the cause of death.
Investigators say Vanlandingham admitted to killing the goat, claiming she thought the owner’s daughter was a “cheater.” She also reportedly confessed to trying to poison the goat before.
A search of Vanlandingham’s phone revealed disturbing internet searches, including “How much bleach can kill an animal” and “poisoning pets, what you should know.” There were also searches on how to erase search history, the affidavit states.
Vanlandingham was released from jail on a $5,000 bond. Her next court appearance is set for January 15.
It’s unclear if she has entered a plea, and her attorney has not yet responded to requests for comment.
