Sentencing details from court records and news reports

Aubrey Vanlandingham Charged With Felony for Poisoning Rival's Goat in FFA Competition Out of Jealousy

Dec 30, 2024, 09:01 PM

A 17-year-old Texas cheerleader, Aubrey Vanlandingham, has been charged with felony cruelty to livestock animals after allegedly poisoning and killing a rival competitor's show goat out of jealousy. The incident occurred on October 23, 2024, at Vista Ridge High School in Cedar Park, Texas, during an FFA competition. Vanlandingham reportedly used a drench gun to force-feed the six-month-old goat, named Willy, a toxic pesticide known as phosmet. Security footage captured the event, showing the goat attempting to escape as Vanlandingham administered the poison. The goat died within 24 hours, suffering from convulsions and respiratory distress. Vanlandingham admitted to the act, claiming her motive was jealousy towards the goat's owner, whom she accused of cheating. Investigations revealed that she had searched for lethal doses of bleach, methods of poisoning pets, and how to clear her search history on her phone. She was arrested on November 22, 2024, and released on a $5,000 bond the same day. Her court date is scheduled for January 15, 2025. If convicted, she faces up to two years in prison.