“The Bathtub Murder of Kendy Howard”: 48 Hours Reports April 26 2025

This Saturday, April 26, 2025, CBS’s 48 Hours revisits one of its most chilling cases with an encore of “The Bathtub Murder of Kendy Howard.” Correspondent Peter Van Sant presents the troubling death of Kendy Howard, whose husband, former Idaho State Police trooper Dan Howard, was ultimately found guilty of her murder. What initially appeared to be a tragic suicide soon unraveled into a calculated act of violence rooted in control, financial disputes, and shattered trust.

The episode takes viewers inside the investigation that revealed a staged death scene, a violent history of domestic battery, and the ultimate betrayal by a man trained to enforce the law. This special presentation offers a comprehensive look at the tragedy that devastated a family and shocked a community.

The Marriage of Dan and Kendy Howard

Dan and Kendy Howard shared a long marriage that spanned over two decades. They had settled in the rural town of Athol, Idaho, and built a comfortable life together, raising a son and maintaining significant financial assets. Friends and family described Kendy as lively, social, and outdoorsy—a woman who loved her community and cherished her family.

Behind the scenes, however, the relationship had deteriorated. Tensions increased following Dan’s resignation from the Idaho State Police after a violent confrontation involving a neighbor. Financial control, emotional distance, and suspicion of infidelity created a toxic environment. By early 2021, Kendy had decided to leave. She began divorce proceedings and was actively searching for a new home. Her friends described her as excited about a new chapter in her life, unaware of the dangers still lurking inside her marriage.

The Night of Kendy’s Death

On February 2, 2021, Dan Howard called 911, claiming he had found his wife dead in their bathtub from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Deputies arriving at the scene observed Dan as distraught yet displaying behaviors that raised immediate red flags. The bathtub scene appeared inconsistent with a self-inflicted gunshot: minimal blood, a running clothes dryer full of clean towels, and a packed duffle bag suggested that someone had been preparing to leave.

Investigators were troubled by Dan’s demeanor. Bodycam footage captured his exaggerated displays of grief without any visible tears. His reluctance to submit to gunshot residue testing and peculiar actions, such as twisting his hands in his pockets, further fueled suspicion. Although the case was initially classified as a suicide, many at the scene, including seasoned officers, felt something was deeply wrong.

Uncovering the Truth

A thorough investigation revealed that Kendy had sustained multiple injuries before her death, including bruises, lacerations, and a broken jaw. Forensic analysis by experts later concluded that she was likely already dead before the gunshot wound occurred. Key elements, such as the downward trajectory of the bullet and the lack of expected blood pooling, suggested the gunshot had been staged to mimic a suicide.

Prosecutors built a case that Dan Howard had used a carotid restraint—a technique learned during his law enforcement career—to asphyxiate Kendy before staging the crime scene. Theories were supported by expert testimony that indicated significant pre-mortem injuries inconsistent with a self-inflicted gunshot. Investigators and prosecutors believed that Dan’s motive stemmed from a desire to avoid a costly divorce and to maintain control over shared assets worth approximately two million dollars.

The Arrest and Trial of Dan Howard

Despite their suspicions, authorities needed two years to build a case strong enough for prosecution. In April 2023, Dan Howard was arrested and charged with second-degree murder and domestic battery. His trial began in March 2024 and lasted ten days, during which 62 witnesses testified.

The prosecution argued that Dan had killed Kendy to prevent her from leaving and splitting their assets. The defense countered by asserting that Kendy had committed suicide amid emotional turmoil. However, the evidence of bruising, the forensic analysis of the crime scene, and Dan’s previous domestic violence history painted a far darker picture.

A dramatic twist came when Dan, out on bail and wearing an ankle monitor, attempted to flee to the airport during a trial recess. His capture further eroded his credibility. After just over eight hours of deliberation, the jury returned a guilty verdict for second-degree murder and domestic battery.

Sentencing and Aftermath

In May 2024, Dan Howard faced sentencing. Despite pleading for leniency and claiming innocence, Judge Lamont Berecz handed down a life sentence without the possibility of parole. The judge condemned Howard’s actions as a heinous act born of pride, greed, and anger. The courtroom was filled with Kendy Howard’s loved ones, who expressed their enduring grief and described how her loss continues to impact their lives.

Kendy’s daughter, Brooke Wilkins, spoke passionately about the devastation caused by Howard’s betrayal and violence. She recounted how Howard sold off Kendy’s belongings, including cherished family heirlooms, and continued to inflict emotional harm even after her death. Prosecutors emphasized that Howard’s actions were not impulsive but carefully calculated to mask his crimes.

Today, Dan Howard remains incarcerated, serving a life sentence. The case serves as a somber reminder of the dangers of domestic violence and the devastating consequences of unchecked control and abuse. The 48 Hours episode ensures that Kendy Howard’s story is not forgotten, offering a voice to the victim and a call for justice that echoes far beyond northern Idaho.