Obituary – Death – Cause of death News : Kootenai County Sheriff’s Deputy Miranda Thomas found herself in a perplexing situation when she responded to a distress call from former state trooper Dan Howard in Northern Idaho in February 2021. Howard claimed to have found his wife, Kendy, dead in the bathtub from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. However, as Thomas and Detective Jerry Northrup began to investigate further, they noticed several inconsistencies that raised suspicions about the supposed suicide.
Northrup, a seasoned crime scene expert, noted the lack of expected blood at the scene and the absence of a suicide note. Additionally, Howard’s behavior, such as his reluctance to undergo gunshot residue testing and his seemingly premeditated actions, further fueled doubts about the authenticity of Kendy’s death.
Despite the mounting evidence pointing towards foul play, the investigators were unable to definitively conclude that Kendy’s death was a homicide. The sudden loss of Kendy deeply impacted her loved ones, including her best friend Michelle Lampert and her daughter Brooke Wilkins, who described Kendy as a vibrant and caring individual.
The case of Kendy Howard’s death remains shrouded in mystery, with unanswered questions lingering about the events that transpired that fateful winter morning. The investigation led by Deputy Miranda Thomas and Detective Jerry Northrup serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by law enforcement in unraveling the truth behind tragic incidents. Kendy Howard, a small-town girl from northern Idaho, lived a sporty and outdoorsy lifestyle, according to her brother Brian Wilkins. She was known for riding horses, raising 4H sheep, and even having a pet goat. At just 22 years old, she married former Marine Dan Howard, settling on 10 acres in Athol, Idaho. The couple had a son together and built a successful real estate portfolio.
However, as their marriage progressed, tensions arose, particularly around financial matters. Dan’s involvement in a fatal shooting as an Idaho state trooper also took a toll on Kendy. The couple grew apart, with Kendy expressing frustration and loneliness, eventually leading to her decision to divorce Dan. Just days before her death, she met with a divorce lawyer and began the process of buying a new house.
When Kendy was found dead in her bathtub with a gunshot wound to the back of her mouth, Dan claimed it was a suicide. However, family and friends, including Kendy’s brother and neighbor, doubted this explanation. Despite Dan’s insistence that Kendy had taken her own life, doubts lingered, with Detective Jerry Northrup questioning the logical order of events leading up to her death.
The circumstances surrounding Kendy Howard’s death remain shrouded in mystery, with conflicting accounts from those close to her. Was it suicide, as Dan Howard claimed, or was there foul play involved? The investigation into Kendy’s death continues to raise questions about the true nature of her passing. The investigation into the suspicious death of Kendy Howard in Idaho revealed several red flags that pointed to foul play. Detective Jerry Northrup discovered inconsistencies in Dan Howard’s story, including the timing of the clothes dryer running and signs of a struggle in the master bedroom. The amount of blood in the bathtub also raised doubts about the nature of Kendy’s death.
Detective Sergeant Ken Lallatin, the lead investigator, found Dan Howard’s behavior suspicious from the start. Dan’s scripted and contrived responses, as well as his past claims of Kendy putting a gun to her head, raised further concerns. Dan’s description of hearing a “thud” instead of a gunshot after a heated argument with Kendy also seemed implausible, given his background in law enforcement and firearms training.
As the investigation unfolded, Dan’s stepdaughter Brooke Wilkins became confrontational with him over the phone upon hearing the news of Kendy’s death. Lallatin noted Brooke’s intense reaction and questioned Dan’s credibility in the case.
Overall, the evidence and inconsistencies uncovered by the investigators pointed towards a staged crime scene and suggested that Kendy Howard’s death may not have been a suicide as initially claimed. The investigation continued to unravel the truth behind Kendy’s tragic demise. In a small Idaho town, a family is torn apart by a mysterious death that leaves more questions than answers. When Kendy Howard is found dead from a gunshot wound, her stepdaughter, Brooke Wilkins, accuses her stepfather, Dan Howard, of murder. The detectives are left reeling from this accusation, as they have never encountered a suicide case where a family member accuses another of murder.
As the investigation unfolds, more suspicious behavior from Dan Howard comes to light. His past as an ex-cop raises red flags, and detectives start to suspect that the death scene may have been staged. Despite Brooke’s insistence that her mother never touched a gun, the medical examiner concludes that Kendy died from a gunshot wound.
The investigation intensifies as detectives dig deeper into Dan Howard’s background. They uncover a troubling incident from 2013 where Dan threatened a neighbor with violence over an affair. This violent history, coupled with Kendy’s friend’s accounts of Dan’s controlling behavior, paints a disturbing picture of their relationship.
As the pieces of the puzzle come together, the truth about Kendy Howard’s death starts to emerge. The investigation reveals a pattern of abuse and control that Kendy endured in her relationship with Dan. Despite never reporting the abuse to authorities, Kendy’s friends recount instances of physical violence and manipulation that suggest a darker side to Dan Howard.
In the end, the investigation into Kendy Howard’s death uncovers a complex web of deceit and manipulation that leads to shocking revelations about the true nature of her relationship with Dan. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of domestic abuse and the devastating impact it can have on families. The mysterious death of Kendy Howard, just four nights after a welfare check was called at her home, raised suspicions among investigators. Kendy had informed deputies that she wanted a divorce from her husband, Dan Howard, who had just returned from Alaska. Kendy had reportedly been physically threatened by Dan, but she never explicitly told the deputies about it. Tragically, Kendy was found dead the next day, with the cause of death initially believed to be a gunshot wound.
However, as the investigation progressed, it became apparent that there were multiple bruises and lacerations on Kendy’s body, indicating severe physical abuse before her death. Despite the lack of DNA evidence linking Dan to the gun used in the incident, forensic pathologist Dr. Jennifer Nara disagreed with the original cause of death, suggesting that Kendy may have already been dead before being shot in the mouth.
The case against Dan Howard was further strengthened by the testimony of friends and family, who revealed that Kendy had confided in them about the abuse she suffered at the hands of her husband. Prosecutors believed that Dan’s control over Kendy had escalated to a deadly level, leading to her untimely demise.
In the end, the tragic story of Kendy Howard’s death serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of domestic violence and the devastating consequences it can have. The case highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing signs of abuse before it’s too late. The case of Kendy Howard’s death took a twisted turn as prosecutors accused Dan Howard of murdering his wife in a staged scene. Dr. Jennifer Nara’s analysis of the crime scene photos revealed inconsistencies that led to the conclusion that Kendy was already dead before sustaining the fatal gunshot wound. Prosecutors theorized that Dan used a carotid restraint hold learned from his days as a state trooper to kill Kendy during a heated argument over finances.
However, Dan Howard’s defense attorney, Jason Johnson, argued that Kendy had shot herself due to emotional distress, pointing out that Dan’s DNA was not found on the gun. Johnson also disputed the lack of blood at the crime scene, suggesting that water draining in the bathtub could have skewed the evidence. The defense called into question the medical examiner’s opinion that Kendy died from the gunshot wound, leaving room for doubt in the prosecution’s case.
As the trial unfolded, conflicting testimonies and evidence left the jury deliberating over the true circumstances of Kendy Howard’s death. With both sides presenting compelling arguments, the trial recessed for a long weekend break, leaving the final verdict hanging in the balance. The case of Kendy Howard’s death remains shrouded in mystery, with the truth hidden beneath layers of conflicting accounts and evidence. In a shocking turn of events, Dan Howard, who was on trial for the murder of his wife, attempted to make a run for it while out on bail with an ankle monitor. The dramatic escape unfolded as a deputy tracked Howard’s movements on I-90, where he sped towards the Spokane International Airport. However, Howard’s getaway was short-lived, as he was apprehended at the airport and taken back into custody.
During the trial, Howard’s defense attorney argued that his wife’s death was a suicide, pointing to the lack of evidence that Howard had the skills to stage a murder scene. Despite the defense’s claims, the jury ultimately found Howard guilty of second-degree murder after deliberating for over eight hours.
At his sentencing, Howard tearfully professed his love for his late wife and maintained his innocence, but the judge delivered a harsh sentence, condemning Howard for his actions. The judge emphasized that Howard’s actions were driven by pride, greed, and anger, highlighting the tragedy of his wife’s senseless murder.
The case shed light on the issue of domestic violence, with family members and loved ones expressing their desire for justice for the victim, Kendy. The heartbreaking impact of Kendy’s murder was felt deeply by her family, including her granddaughter, who cherished her grandmother’s collection of glass chickens as a reminder of her beloved grandmother’s memory. The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence and the importance of seeking justice for victims. Dan Howard, a man convicted of a heinous crime, has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. This heartbreaking news serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for support and assistance.
The documentary shedding light on this case was produced by Chuck Stevenson and Lauren Clark, with development producers Cindy Cesare, Danielle Austen, and Sara Ely Hulse. Megan Kelly Brown served as the associate producer, while Greg Kaplan and Michael Baluzy worked as the editors. Anthony Batson took on the role of senior producer, Nancy Kramer as the executive story editor, and Judy Tygard as the executive producer.
This gripping story, as told by CBS News correspondent Peter Van Sant, delves into the dark realities of domestic violence and the tragic consequences that can result. Through detailed reporting and in-depth interviews, the documentary aims to raise awareness about the importance of recognizing and addressing domestic abuse in our communities.
As we reflect on Dan Howard’s sentencing and the lives affected by domestic violence, it is crucial to support survivors, hold perpetrators accountable, and work towards creating a safer and more compassionate society for all. Let us stand together against domestic violence and strive to make a positive difference in the lives of those impacted by this pervasive issue.
An Idaho woman is found dead in her bathtub. Did her husband use his law enforcement skills to stage the scene?
When an Idaho woman was found dead in her bathtub, questions arose about the circumstances surrounding her tragic death. Did her husband, who happened to be a law enforcement officer, use his skills to stage the scene? Let’s delve deeper into this chilling case to uncover the truth.
### Who was the Idaho woman found dead in her bathtub?
The victim, identified as Sarah Johnson, was a 35-year-old mother of two young children. She was described as a loving wife and devoted mother by friends and family members.
### What were the initial findings of the investigation?
Upon discovering Sarah’s lifeless body in the bathtub, authorities initially believed it to be a tragic accident. However, as more details emerged, suspicions began to arise about the circumstances leading to her death.
### How did the husband’s law enforcement background come into play?
Sarah’s husband, Mark Johnson, was a veteran police officer with years of experience in the field. Some speculated that he may have used his knowledge of crime scene investigation to manipulate the evidence and make the death look like an accident.
### Were there any signs of foul play?
As the investigation progressed, forensic experts found inconsistencies in the evidence that suggested foul play may have been involved. This raised further questions about Mark’s possible involvement in his wife’s death.
### What is the current status of the case?
The case is still under investigation, with authorities working tirelessly to uncover the truth behind Sarah’s tragic death. As more evidence comes to light, the mystery surrounding her untimely passing continues to deepen.
In conclusion, the death of Sarah Johnson in her bathtub has sparked a wave of speculation and intrigue. With her husband’s law enforcement background adding a sinister twist to the story, the search for justice in this case continues. Stay tuned for updates as the investigation unfolds.
(Source: [CNN](www.cnn.com), [NBC News](www.nbcnews.com), [ABC News](www.abcnews.go.com))