Texas FFA student accused of killing ag classmate’s goat

A Cedar Park (Texas) Police Department arrest affidavit revealed details involving a 17-year-old Vista Ridge High School student who is accused of killing another student’s goat.

According to several news reports, the incident occurred on Oct. 23 at the Vista Ridge FFA agricultural facility, about half a mile from the school. Both students were members of the FFA chapter. 

According to arrest records, security footage captured a person approaching a goat’s pen at 9 a.m. carrying a spray bottle and a “syringe-like item.” The affidavit states the person restrained the goat and “forced the syringe item into the goat’s mouth.” The goat broke free during the ordeal but was restrained again, and the syringe was reportedly forced into its mouth two more times.

That same person returned twice later that day to check on the goat, taking photos and videos each time, according to the affidavit.

Police reported that around 2 p.m., the teen who was arrested had made a phone call to the goat’s owners. Later that day, the goat was taken to a veterinary hospital, where the attending veterinarian noted the animal appeared unwell. The goat died Oct. 24.

During the necropsy, veterinarians reported that pesticide odor was overwhelming when the goat’s stomach was opened.

Police documents allege that the suspect, who has been identified as Aubrey Vanlandingham, admitted to poisoning the goat, claiming it was because the other student was a “cheater” and that she disliked “cheaters.”

AGDAILY does not normally identify suspects in criminal cases if they are a minor, but Vanlandingham’s name and image have already been widely distributed (here and here and here, as examples) by numerous news outlets, as well as on social media.

Crestina Hardie, who serves as chief communications officer for the Leander Independent School District, expressed sadness over the incident while commending the FFA program’s role in fostering responsibility and accountability.

“The district believes the security measures in place, including surveillance footage as well as routine supervision by agriculture science teachers, provided the evidence law enforcement needed to complete the investigation,” Hardie said. “While the district cannot comment on the status of the student, disciplinary action was taken consistent with policy and procedures. The district is grateful for the leadership at Vista Ridge HS for providing thoughtfulness and care for the community of students impacted by the event.”

Weeks later, testing confirmed the presence of pesticides. A search warrant for the suspect’s phone revealed internet searches such as “poisoning pets, what you need to know” and “how to clear search history.”

The teen has been charged with cruelty to a livestock animal, a felony. News outlets reported that she has been released on $5,000 bond.

The Texas FFA Association issued the following statement in response to the incident:

The Texas FFA Association positively impacts members by fostering a culture of accountability that emphasizes the highest standards of leadership and ethics. Through our programs, Texas FFA and agricultural science education encourage individuals to lead with integrity, make ethical decisions, and uphold the organization’s core values. Chapters are encouraged to use learning standards that address the welfare and safe handling of animals, and those skills are reinforced through the student’s Supervised Agricultural Experience. Members are encouraged to demonstrate ethical behavior in all activities, from competitions to community service. Texas FFA does not condone any behavior that compromises ethical standards, animal welfare, or the integrity of its programs. This commitment to accountability shapes the character of our members, preparing them to be exemplary leaders who positively impact the agricultural industry and beyond.