Dan Howard is currently incarcerated at the medium-security Idaho State Correctional Institution Medical Annex located in unincorporated Ada County, Idaho, serving a life sentence for the murder of his wife, Kendy Howard.
Kendy Howard’s body was discovered in the bathtub of their home in Athol, Idaho, on February 2, 2021. Initially ruled a suicide, a deeper investigation revealed inconsistencies that suggested foul play. Eventually, it was determined that she was murdered, leading to Dan Howard’s arrest and conviction for the crime.
This article explores Dan Howard’s current situation, the events that transpired between him and his wife, and key details surrounding the case as highlighted in an episode of 48 Hours that aired on CBS on September 28, 2024.
The Crime and Initial Investigation
On the night of February 2, 2021, Dan Howard called 911, alleging that his wife Kendy had shot herself in the head. When emergency responders arrived, they found Kendy in the bathtub with a gunshot wound and a pistol submerged in the water.
While the scene initially appeared to indicate suicide, several peculiar elements prompted further scrutiny. A duffle bag was packed, a dryer was running with clean towels, and Dan had recently taken a shower.
Detective Jerry Northrup discovered inconsistencies that contradicted the suicide theory. There was an excessive amount of blood for a self-inflicted gunshot wound, and autopsy results revealed that Kendy had been strangled prior to being shot. These findings pointed towards homicide rather than suicide.
Dan Howard’s Arrest and Trial
As the investigation progressed, more evidence mounted against Dan Howard. Friends and family members revealed that Kendy had planned to leave him, establishing a motive for her murder. Moreover, Dan’s behavior on the night of Kendy’s death was deemed suspicious.
Despite claiming to be deeply distressed, Dan did not cry and appeared calm during the investigation. Given his background as a former state trooper, detectives believed he might have staged the scene to simulate a suicide.
Three years after the tragic event, Dan was formally charged with murdering Kendy. The prosecution was bolstered by the inconsistencies at the crime scene coupled with Dan’s questionable actions.
During the trial, the defense argued that the evidence was circumstantial and insisted that Dan loved Kendy, implying he could not have harmed her. In contrast, the prosecution presented a strong case emphasizing the undeniable motive and the evidence suggesting a staged crime scene.
Where is Dan Howard Now?
Currently, Dan Howard is serving his life sentence at the medium-security Idaho State Correctional Institution Medical Annex in unincorporated Ada County, Idaho. In March of 2024, he was convicted of second-degree murder and domestic battery.
The court sentenced him to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole for the murder charge, plus an additional ten years for domestic battery.
Dan Howard’s case underscores the complexities and challenges inherent in criminal investigations. Initially ruled a suicide, further examination revealed a much darker narrative. Episode 2 of season 38 of 48 Hours on CBS provides an in-depth exploration of this case, shedding light on the evidence and the ensuing legal proceedings.
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