How former Idaho State Policeman Dan Howard was arrested for his wife's murder

Kendy Howard Found dead in her bathtub. When sent to suicide, clues at the scene made the Kutennai County authorities suspicious. Here is a case:

A 26-year marriage

And Kendy Howard
And Kendy Howard Brian Wilkins

Dan and Kendy Howard have been married since 1994. By 2021, Dan Howard will work from Idaho State Trooper to three weeks at the Alaska oilfield at one time.

Kendy seeks divorce

Kendy Howard
Kendy Howard Brian Wilkins

On January 28, 2021, five days before her death, Kendy Howard picked up Dan Howard from the airport and told him she wanted a divorce. She described Dan's reaction to his friends as "bad."

Dan Howard called 911

And Howard
Dan Howard was a former Idaho State Police Police Officer. Kootenai County Prosecutor

On the evening of February 2, 2021, at 10:43 pm, Dan Howard called 911 and screamed Kendy and shot him to death. "She died in the bathtub..."

The phone was sent to commit suicide.

Dan Howard is on the scene

Howard-Bodycam.png
Deputy Miranda Thomas of Sheriff Kootenai County was one of the first responders to arrive at Howard's home. Kutai District Court

Deputy Miranda Thomas of Sheriff Kootenai County was one of the first officers to arrive. Thomas said she witnessed Dan Howard screaming, crying and gagging.

Kendy Howard found in a bathtub

Howard Bathroom
Kendy Howard was found dead in a bathtub with a gunshot wound to the head. Kootenai County Sheriff's Office

Title: Kendy Howard was found dead, exposed in her bathtub with a gunshot wound to the head. Kendy's gun was submerged in the bath room.

Crowded duffel bags

Howard's Downtown Bag
Deputy Thomas noticed a duffel bag filled with women's clothing, filled with women's clothing at the bottom of Howard's stairs. Kootenai County Sheriff's Office

Thomas noticed a duffel bag that she said seemed to be full of ladies' clothing. "Is anyone planning to leave the house?" she said.

Clues on the clothes dryer

Kendy and Dan Howard's dryer
When the first responder arrived at Howard's home, the dryer was running. It was filled with clean bath towels and mats. Kutai District Court

In the dryer, Cootnernai County Sheriff's Detective Jerry Northrup said he observed "bathrooms and towels...and they're still a little warm," which he said led him to question when the cycle will begin.

How does Kendy Howard actually die?

Kendy Howards' Gun
Kendy Howard's own pistol was found at the bottom of the bathtub. Kootenai County Sheriff's Office

Kendy Howard's gun was found in the bathtub. Investigators said she would expect her to see more blood in the bathtub if she was shot.

Kendy's daughter accuses Dan Howard

Howard-Brooke-Wilkins.jpg
Brooke Wilkins, daughter of Kendy Howard. CBS News

When Dan Howard called with news of Kendy's death, his stepdaughter Brooke Wilkins, investigators said they could eavesdrop on Wi Wi accusing Dan of killing her mother. Despite their suspicion, detectives said there was not enough evidence at the scene to arrest Dan.

Howard was arrested

Book a photo with Howard
In April 2023, Dan Howard was charged with murder. He was also charged with household batteries in an incident that occurred seven months before Kendy's death. Kootenai County Sheriff's Office

It took two years for the prosecutor to establish the case. In July 2023, Dan Howard was arrested and charged with the murder of Kendy Howard.

Trial with Howard

And Howard
Dan Howard is at trial for the murder of his wife Kendy. pool

On March 4, 2024, the trial of Dan Howard began. Prosecutors claim And kill Kendy By placing her in carotid restraint, this is an action he learned in law enforcement training. The defense insists that Kendy's death was suicide. After 10 days of testimony, there were 62 witnesses and only 8 hours of deliberation, the verdict was reached.

Dan Howard pleads guilty

On March 19, 2024, a jury found Dan Howard guilty of second-degree murder and a domestic fortress.

Life in prison

Dan Howard Judgment Hearing
Dan Howard begged for leniency to deal with the verdict. pool

During a sentencing hearing for Dan Howard in May 2024, Judge Lamont Berecz told him: "You killed a mother. You killed a grandmother. You killed an older sister... You snatched it from your pride, greed and anger." Dan Howard was sentenced to life imprisonment without parole.