Murder Case of Kootenai County Woman Sends Shockwaves Through Idaho Community

Crime scene investigation team.

Kootenai County Murder Case Shocks Community

In Kootenai County, Idaho, a troubling death has revealed a series of suspicious circumstances leading to a high-profile murder trial. Kendy Howard was found dead in her bathtub on February 2, 2021, in a case that began to unfold from what initially appeared to be a suicide.

Background of the Couple

Kendy and Dan Howard had been married for nearly three decades, having tied the knot in 1994. Their marriage faced turmoil, especially after Dan transitioned from being an Idaho State Trooper to working in the Alaskan oil fields, leaving Kendy alone for long stretches. Just a few days before her death, on January 28, 2021, Kendy met Dan at the airport and spoke of her wish for a divorce. According to reports, she told a friend that Dan’s reaction was “not good.”

The Night of the Tragedy

On the night of February 2, 2021, at 10:43 p.m., a frantic call came into 911 from Dan Howard claiming that Kendy had shot herself. He described the scene starkly, stating, “She’s in the bathtub dead.” Responding officer Deputy Miranda Thomas arrived to find Dan visibly distraught, screaming and crying near Kendy’s body, which was discovered naked in the bathtub with a gunshot wound to her head.

Investigation Begins

While the incident was initially ruled a suicide, several aspects of the scene raised alarms for investigators. Kendy’s gun was found submerged in the bathwater, which typically raises questions about how the situation unfolded. Deputy Thomas noted the presence of a duffle bag packed with what appeared to be women’s clothing, suggesting someone may have been preparing to leave. Furthermore, Detective Jerry Northrup pointed out that bathmats and towels in the dryer were “still somewhat warm,” indicating they had been recently used.

Critical Witness Accounts

Adding an additional layer of complexity, when Dan called his stepdaughter, Brooke Wilkins, shortly after Kendy’s death, she accused him of murdering her mother. Despite these disturbing details and accusations, investigators felt they lacked sufficient evidence to make an arrest. Over the course of the next two years, prosecutors steadily worked on building a case.

Charges and Trial

In July 2023, Dan Howard was arrested, ultimately facing charges of murder stemming from Kendy’s death. His trial commenced on March 4, 2024. The prosecution’s narrative claimed that Dan had killed Kendy using a carotid restraint hold, an action he learned during his law enforcement training. Conversely, Dan’s defense maintained that Kendy’s death was indeed a suicide.

Jury Deliberation and Verdict

After a thorough trial that lasted ten days and involved testimonies from 62 witnesses, jurors took just over eight hours to deliberate. On March 19, 2024, Dan Howard was found guilty of second-degree murder and domestic battery. The courtroom was tense as the decision was announced, with Kendy’s family and friends present to hear the outcome.

Sentencing and Community Reaction

During the sentencing hearing held in May 2024, Judge Lamont Berecz made a poignant statement, emphasizing the impact of Dan’s actions: “You killed a mother. You killed a grandmother. You killed a sister … You snuffed that out because of your own pride, greed, and anger.” Dan Howard was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

This case has sent shockwaves through the Kootenai County community, raising critical discussions around domestic violence and the often-hidden struggles within relationships. It serves as a grim reminder of the deep-seated issues that can exist beneath the surface of what seems like a normal life.