5 Disturbing Facts Surrounding Kendy Howard’s Case

The small town of Athol, Idaho, was taken aback by the unexpected death of Kendy Howard. In February 2021, she was discovered lifeless in her bathtub with a gunshot wound to the head. While it initially appeared to be a tragic suicide, further investigation revealed even more disturbing details.

This intriguing case will be the focus of the upcoming episode of 48 Hours on CBS, titled The Bathtub Murder of Kendy Howard, aiming to clarify the most perplexing aspects surrounding Kendy’s untimely demise.

Below are five critical details regarding Kendy Howard’s mysterious case.

5 Disturbing Details About Kendy Howard’s Case

1) The Unusual Crime Scene

Upon arrival at the Howard residence, first responders found Kendy in her bathtub with a gunshot wound to her head. The handgun was found partially submerged in the water. At first glance, the scene resembled a suicide; however, several peculiarities raised suspicions.

Notably, there was an overflowing duffle bag, the clothes dryer was in operation, and fresh towels were available. Furthermore, Dan Howard, Kendy’s husband, appeared to have recently showered, as indicated by his freshly shaved face. These elements contradicted the typical signs of a depression-related suicide.

2) Inconsistencies in Hypotheses

Detective Jerry Northrup’s examination of the crime scene introduced inconsistencies that challenged the suicide hypothesis. The volume of blood present did not match that of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Moreover, the autopsy revealed that Kendy had been strangled prior to the shooting, thereby invalidating suicide and suggesting foul play.

3) Dan Howard’s Suspicious Behavior

Dan Howard’s demeanor that fateful night further fueled suspicions. While he was purportedly devastated, he displayed no tears and seemed unusually calm.

Having been a state trooper for many years, Dan Howard was likely familiar with crime scene protocols. Investigators theorized that his experience may have aided him in staging the scene to resemble a suicide.

4) Potential Motive for Murder

Through conversations with family and friends, it became evident that Kendy had intentions of leaving Dan. She had disclosed plans to start a new life elsewhere, providing Dan with a potential motive for murder. The defense argued that Dan feared she would leave with her belongings and financial assets.

5) The Courtroom Battle

Three years post-incident, Dan Howard faced accusations of murdering his wife, Kendy. The prosecution highlighted the inconsistencies in Kendy’s death and Dan’s questionable behavior during that period.

While the defense contended that the evidence was purely circumstantial and did not prove any motive for Dan to murder his wife, the prosecution presented a compelling case, showcasing both motive and a carefully orchestrated crime scene.

Ultimately, the Kendy Howard case, which initially seemed to be a straightforward suicide, revealed itself to be a complex murder inquiry upon deeper investigation. The upcoming 48 Hours episode on CBS aims to reveal the evidence critical to understanding the tragic case of Kendy Howard.

This episode will provide insight into the diligent efforts of investigators and the enduring heartache felt by Kendy’s loved ones following her death.

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