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“The Bathtub Murder of Kendy Howard”: 48 Hours Reports September 28 2024

by Ryan Gill · September 27, 2024

The upcoming episode of “48 Hours,” airing on September 28 at 10:00 PM ET/PT, focuses on the disturbing case of Kendy Howard, whose tragic death shook the community of Athol, Idaho. Hosted by Peter Van Sant, this episode titled “The Bathtub Murder of Kendy Howard” delves into the mysterious circumstances surrounding her death and the investigation that followed. Kendy was found in her bathtub with a fatal gunshot wound, and her husband, Dan Howard, a former state trooper, reported the incident as a suicide.

However, law enforcement quickly suspected foul play due to inconsistencies in Dan’s account and the crime scene. Kendy’s death seemed staged, and various details—including a packed duffle bag, freshly laundered towels, and Dan’s suspicious behavior—raised red flags for investigators. This “48 Hours” episode offers an in-depth look at how Kootenai County detectives pieced together the evidence that led to Dan Howard being charged with his wife’s murder.

The Discovery of Kendy Howard’s Body

On February 2, 2021, Daniel Howard called 911 to report his wife’s death. He claimed that he heard a “thud” while signing paperwork but did not check on her for nearly two hours. When officers arrived at the scene, they found Kendy in the master bathroom tub, shot through the mouth. At first glance, the scene appeared consistent with a suicide, but as investigators examined the details, suspicions mounted.

Kendy’s body was positioned unnaturally, and there was little to no blood at the scene, a major inconsistency for a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Additionally, the house appeared too neat for a sudden tragedy: a packed duffle bag indicated that Kendy was planning to leave, and the clothes dryer was running with freshly washed towels. These peculiar details, combined with Dan’s seemingly calm and collected demeanor, made law enforcement question his version of events.

Investigating the Scene and Dan Howard’s Role

As a former Idaho State Police trooper, Dan Howard had extensive knowledge of crime scenes and investigative procedures. This background raised concerns that he may have used his training to stage the death as a suicide. Detectives discovered that Dan and Kendy were in the midst of a divorce, and Kendy had been preparing to move forward with her life. She had gone under contract for a new home, was seeking new job opportunities, and had even mentioned plans for an antique store.

Over the next two years, law enforcement meticulously gathered evidence. Forensic experts determined that Kendy’s gunshot wound was not self-inflicted and that she had likely been asphyxiated before being shot. The autopsy revealed bruising and other injuries that suggested a violent struggle before her death, solidifying suspicions of foul play. Dan Howard’s account, combined with the physical evidence, led to his arrest in 2023.

The Trial: A Staged Suicide Unraveled

In March 2024, Dan Howard stood trial for the murder of his wife. Prosecutors argued that he killed Kendy out of jealousy and a desire to prevent her from taking half of their shared assets in the divorce. The prosecution presented evidence showing that Kendy had been physically assaulted before her death and that Dan had staged the scene to make it look like a suicide.

The defense claimed that Kendy had taken her own life, but the forensic evidence proved otherwise. The bullet trajectory, the lack of significant blood at the scene, and the presence of bruising on Kendy’s body were all inconsistent with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Witnesses testified to Dan’s controlling nature and the tumultuous state of their marriage, further supporting the prosecution’s argument.

Ultimately, the jury convicted Dan Howard of second-degree murder. The conviction brought some sense of closure to Kendy’s family, who had long suspected that her death was not a suicide. Dan Howard was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in May 2024.

The Aftermath: Family and Justice

Kendy Howard’s death left her family devastated, and the trial only deepened the emotional wounds. Her father, Wendell Wilkins, and her daughter, Brooke Wilkins, testified to the kind of person Kendy was—happy, outgoing, and planning for her future. They described how Kendy’s dreams of opening an antique store and starting a new chapter in her life were abruptly cut short by her husband’s actions.

Dan Howard’s life sentence was seen as justice by Kendy’s family, though it could never bring her back. In court, Judge Lamont Berecz described Dan as a “remorseless killer” whose actions were driven by pride, greed, and anger. For Kendy’s family, the sentencing marked the end of a long and painful journey toward justice, but the loss of their loved one remains an immeasurable void in their lives.

Conclusion

The “48 Hours” episode “The Bathtub Murder of Kendy Howard” brings national attention to a case that rattled a small Idaho community. With Dan Howard now behind bars for the murder of his wife, this episode will offer viewers an in-depth exploration of the investigation, the evidence, and the eventual conviction that closed a tragic chapter for Kendy’s family. Through interviews with detectives, forensic experts, and family members, the episode paints a haunting picture of how a once-respected law enforcement officer took the life of the woman he once vowed to protect.

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Ryan Gill

Ryan is a passionate follower of true crime television programs, reporting on and providing in-depth investigations on mysteries in the criminal world.

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