Who Is Todd Kendhammer & Where Is He Now? 2025 Update & Background
Todd Kendhammer became a central figure in one of Wisconsin’s most contested criminal cases, drawing national attention after his wife, Barbara Kendhammer, died under mysterious circumstances in 2016. Portrayed by some as a devoted family man and by others as a deceptive killer, Kendhammer’s story is one that continues to provoke debate and scrutiny.
- “Mystery on County Road M”: 48 Hours Revisits the Controversial Case of Todd Kendhammer December 27 2025
- Who Was Barbara Kendhammer & What Happened to Her? 2025 Update & Background
Early Life and Family Background
Todd Kendhammer lived in La Crosse County, Wisconsin, with his wife Barbara. The couple had been married for 25 years and raised two children, Jessica and Jordan. By all outward appearances, they were a stable and loving family. Barbara worked at a local middle school cafeteria, and Todd had a job at Crown Cork & Seal. On the side, he performed windshield replacements, which would later become a key detail in his version of the events that led to Barbara’s death.
Family and friends described Todd as quiet, hardworking, and devoted to his wife. The Kendhammers had recently celebrated their silver wedding anniversary and were enjoying a new chapter in life, having just welcomed their first grandchild. There was no reported history of domestic violence or marital problems between the two.
The Incident That Changed Everything
On September 16, 2016, Todd placed a frantic 911 call, reporting that a pipe had flown off a passing truck and smashed through his car’s windshield, hitting Barbara as they drove along County Road M. She suffered critical injuries and died the next day in the hospital. Todd told police they were on their way to repair a windshield for a friend.
However, investigators quickly found discrepancies in his account. The supposed friend denied ever requesting a windshield repair. Surveillance footage from nearby showed the Kendhammers’ car passing by, but no truck matching Todd’s description. Medical experts also questioned whether Barbara’s injuries—multiple blunt-force traumas to the head, neck, and body—could have been caused by a single metal pipe.
These inconsistencies, combined with Todd’s changing story, led authorities to charge him with first-degree intentional homicide in December 2016.
Trial and Conviction
Todd Kendhammer’s trial began in late 2017. Prosecutors argued that he had staged the crash to conceal the murder of his wife, citing forensic evidence, discrepancies in his timeline, and witness statements. The defense maintained that Barbara’s death was a tragic accident and highlighted the lack of motive, absence of a violent history, and conflicting expert testimony.
Todd took the stand in his own defense, explaining that he had been overwhelmed with grief and confusion during the initial investigation, which led to inconsistencies in his account. His children, who remained steadfast in their belief in his innocence, testified in his support.
Despite these efforts, the jury found Todd Kendhammer guilty of first-degree intentional homicide on December 15, 2017. He was sentenced to life in prison, with eligibility for parole after 30 years.
Appeals and Legal Developments
Following the conviction, Todd’s children sought help from high-profile attorneys Jerry Buting and Kathleen Stilling, known for their work on the Making a Murderer case. In 2021, a post-conviction evidentiary hearing was held, where new forensic experts testified that Barbara’s injuries could be consistent with an accident. The defense also presented psychological testimony to explain Todd’s disoriented recollection of the events.
A video of a pipe-drop test conducted by police during the initial investigation—showing that pipes can bounce unpredictably—was also introduced during this hearing. The defense argued this supported the plausibility of Todd’s original story. Despite these efforts, the judge denied the request for a new trial.
Where Is Todd Kendhammer Now?
As of late 2025, Todd Kendhammer remains incarcerated at a Wisconsin state prison. He is serving a life sentence and will be eligible for parole in 2047. According to the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, he has maintained a record as an inmate without major disciplinary issues and continues to maintain his innocence.
His children, Jessica and Jordan, remain vocal advocates for his release and have vowed to continue fighting for what they believe is a wrongful conviction. Public attention on the case persists, particularly with recurring coverage on shows like 48 Hours, which most recently aired an encore of “Mystery on County Road M.”
For now, Todd Kendhammer remains behind bars, awaiting any future legal developments that might reopen the door to freedom. Whether viewed as a grieving husband caught in a web of suspicion or as a man who staged a crime to conceal a darker truth, his case continues to stir strong emotions and unresolved questions.
More “Mystery on County Road M”
- “Mystery on County Road M”: 48 Hours Revisits the Controversial Case of Todd Kendhammer December 27 2025
- Who Is Todd Kendhammer & Where Is He Now? 2025 Update & Background
- Who Was Barbara Kendhammer & What Happened to Her? 2025 Update & Background
