Fast Food Lovers Charged with Conspiring to Murder
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Updated: 8:33 AM Jan 16, 2008
Fast Food Lovers Charged with Conspiring to Murder
Police say they tried, but failed to kill the woman's husband with a poisoned sandwich.
Posted: 8:59 PM Jan 15, 2008
Reporter: Randy Yohe
Email Address: randy.yohe@wsaz.com
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Police say the fast food lovers conspired to commit murder. Police say they tried, but failed to kill the woman's husband with a poisoned sandwich.

It’s a love triangle that nearly turned deadly at the drive thru. In a love triangle, at least two members need to know what's going on. In this case it involves suspected rat poison and a McChicken sandwich. Police are praising a fourth person involved, a fellow employee, who likely saved an unsuspecting husband's life.

Patricia Valandingham had nothing to say as she was booked on a complicity to commit murder charge. Last Friday police arrested Christopher Stephens, charging the 37 year old with attempted murder.

Until last week, the two worked at the new Olive Hill McDonalds. That’s where police say Stephens, working the drive thru window, had an eye drop bottle filled with suspected rat poison. Police say when Stephens saw Valandingham's husband in the drive thru window, he put the poison on a McChicken sandwich. The suspected bun is now in an evidence envelope.

Police say a fellow McDonald’s employee saw what was happening and stopped Stephens before he could serve the poisoned sandwich.

“This was a premeditated, calculated act aimed at one person only,” Olive Hill Police Chief Bobby Hall said.

The police report says Stephens was having an intimate relationship with Renee Valandingham. The report also says Stephens was intending to kill his co-worker's husband with a poisoned sandwich.

Valandingham was booked as Patricia. Police say she had Renee on her McDonald’s name tag. Police say the quantity of rat poison on the McChicken sandwich would have likely been fatal.

Chief Hall said if that employee hadn't caught the problem, they may be working on a death investigation. Police say when presented with the evidence and statements, Christopher Stephens basically admitted the crime. When they picked her up, Renee or Patricia Valandingham told police, “I've been waiting for you.”

The McDonald's owner, Sam Perry says nothing is more important than the safety of his customers, and he is fully cooperating with police in this very serious matter.

Christopher Stevens is jailed on a $250,000 cash bond. No bond is set yet for Patricia Valandingham.

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Latest Comments

Posted by: Barb on Mar 26, 2009 at 04:46 PM

The woman was caught red handed. At the very minimum, she should get as much time as her partner in crime. Sounds like the husband needs psychological help. She must be a real manipulator. Surely she will go to jail & get what she deserves.
[ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Marquetta on Mar 26, 2009 at 04:02 PM

I am a family member of Brent's and I hope Renee gets exactly what she deserves...jail. I hope Brent gets the emotional help he needs. I pray for Brent's family and hope justice prevails.
[ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: AMANDA JAMES on Mar 26, 2009 at 01:49 AM

I KNOW RENEE. WE USED TO BE REALLY GOOD FRIENDS AND I USED TO DATE HER COUSIN. I BELIEVE THERE IS MORE TO THIS STORY THAN WHAT WE ARE HEARING. THE RENEE I KNEW WOULD NEVER HURT BRENT. I KNOW SHE LOVED HIM AND LOVED HER LIFE WITH HIM. I DON'T KNOW WHAT WENT WRONG, BUT I DON'T BELIEVE SHE IS AS GUILTY AS EVERYONE SEEMS TO THINK. I AM GLAD BRENT IS OKAY AND I HOPE HIM AND RENEE CAN BE HAPPY AGAIN.
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