Kootenai County Sheriff’s Deputy Miranda Thomas was one of the first responders to a distressing scene at the home of Dan Howard, a former state trooper, in Northern Idaho. Dan Howard’s wife, Kendy, was found dead in the bathtub with a gunshot wound to the head. Initially, Dan claimed that Kendy had taken her own life, but detectives quickly noticed inconsistencies at the scene that raised suspicions.
Detective Jerry Northrup, a crime scene expert, noted that the lack of blood and other unusual circumstances suggested that the death scene may have been staged. Kendy’s friends and family shared their memories of her vibrant personality and revealed details about the troubled dynamics in her marriage with Dan.
As the investigation unfolded, it became clear that Dan Howard had a history of controlling behavior and violence. He had previously been involved in a disturbing incident with a neighbor, which resulted in criminal charges. Kendy had also confided in friends about instances of abuse in her marriage.
Prosecutors built a case against Dan Howard, alleging that he had strangled Kendy to death using a carotid restraint hold before staging the scene to look like a suicide. Despite Dan’s claims of innocence and his attempts to escape during the trial, the jury found him guilty of second-degree murder.
The sentencing revealed the devastating impact of Kendy’s death on her family and friends, highlighting the lasting trauma caused by domestic violence. Dan Howard was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, bringing some closure to Kendy’s loved ones.
The tragic story of Kendy Howard serves as a reminder of the dangers of domestic violence and the importance of seeking help if you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available for support and assistance.
As the details of the case were uncovered, it became clear that Kendy’s death was a result of domestic violence and control exerted by Dan Howard. The pursuit of justice for Kendy brought to light the complexities of abusive relationships and the devastating consequences they can have on individuals and their families.
The case serves as a sobering reminder of the prevalence of domestic violence and the need for awareness, support, and intervention to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. The story of Kendy Howard’s untimely death is a call to action to stand against abuse and advocate for the safety and well-being of all individuals in vulnerable situations.
