Kendy Howard’s Tragic Death: The Mystery Unfolds in Kootenai County
A Disturbing Scene
Kootenai County Sheriff’s Deputy Miranda Thomas vividly recalls the chilling encounter with Dan Howard, a former state trooper, when she arrived at his home on a frigid evening in February 2021. The tense situation unraveled as Dan reportedly cried without tears, exhibiting behavior that raised suspicions among the first responders. Deputy Thomas recounted, “He would scream and yell, but there were no tears in his eyes. At any point he would, um, act like he was gagging, but nothing would ever actually happen.” This eerie behavior would mark the beginning of a complicated investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of his wife, Kendy.
The Discovery
Upon arrival, Dan Howard claimed to have found Kendy in the bathtub, allegedly having taken her own life with her pistol, which was found submerged in the tub. However, evidence began to contradict the narrative he presented. Detective Jerry Northrup, who arrived at the scene, found inconsistencies, noting, “For a woman to shoot herself in the tub, nude, is unusual.” He and his colleagues soon found critical evidence that suggested the scene might have been staged.
Missing Details
The investigation revealed several puzzling elements. Kendy was reported to have no visible blood at the scene, and the washer was running when the deputies arrived — a setup that Detective Northrup found particularly strange. Deputy Miranda Thomas noted a packed duffle bag, indicating a possible plan to escape or leave, while Kendy’s presence in the home was marred by signs of a recent confrontation. “Having a dryer running at midnight is very odd, because I don’t do laundry at that time,” Thomas remarked.
Relationships and Revelations
As friends and family talked about Kendy, it became clear that she was not the deeply troubled individual Dan portrayed. Recognized for a vibrant and happy persona, Kendy was described as someone who enjoyed life and was looking forward to a fresh start, including a planned divorce from Dan. Her friends covered the complexities of her marriage; it was fraught with tensions mostly stemming from financial disputes and Dan’s previous violent incidents, including threats made against another man over Kendy’s alleged infidelity.
A Pivotal Phone Call
Following Kendy’s death, a significant moment unfolded as Dan was confronted by Kendy’s daughter, Brooke Wilkins. While on a phone call, Brooke angrily accused Dan of being involved in her mother’s death. This marked a critical shift in the detectives’ outlook on the case, with Detective Northrup feeling the weight of critical inconsistencies in Dan’s narrative: “That phone call put chills down my spine,” he remarked. “Not one time have I ever been to a suicide where family members accuse another family member of murder.”
Staged or Suicide?
The investigation strengthened when detectives began to believe Dan might have staged a murder to look like a suicide. Detective Sergeant Ken Lallatin noted, “Nothing about this case felt right from the beginning.” Blood evidence collected later revealed Kendy had sustained more injuries, contradicting Dan’s version of events and suggesting illicit interactions leading to her demise.
The Unfolding Trial
Two years later, Dan Howard was charged with murder. After months of deliberation, a jury found him guilty in a trial that centered on the complexities of Kendy’s life and her relationship with Dan. The prosecutor laid out a narrative suggesting he had killed Kendy, staged the scene, and faked suicide to cover his tracks, while the defense argued that Kendy had taken her own life amid her decision to divorce Dan.
The Verdict
The jury’s decision was rendered after a tense trial period, leading to a guilty verdict of second-degree murder in connection with Kendy’s death. The comments made by the judge reflected on the monumental consequences of control in Kendy’s life at Dan’s hands.
Lasting Impacts
The case opened a dialogue on domestic violence and control dynamics, spurring conversations not only about Kendy but the implications for victims of domestic violence everywhere. With Kendy’s tragic death as a backdrop, advocates continue to stress the need for awareness and for victims to seek help.
If You or Someone You Know Is A Victim
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.
