Deputy Miranda Thomas recalls responding to Dan Howard’s home, where his wife, Kendy, was found dead in a bathtub with a gunshot wound. The evidence at the scene raised suspicions for investigators, as it did not align with a typical suicide scenario. Kendy’s body displayed bruising, and there was a lack of blood in the bathtub, which was inconsistent with a head wound. Additionally, Dan Howard displayed suspicious behavior, such as resistance to gunshot residue testing.
Friends and family of Kendy remember her as a vibrant, outdoorsy person who loved life. Her marriage to Dan Howard had its challenges, especially following an incident where Dan killed a woman during a traffic stop. Kendy had planned to leave Dan and had initiated divorce proceedings. Prior to her death, there were reports of physical abuse and tense interactions between the couple, leading to increased suspicions about Dan’s involvement in Kendy’s death.
Investigators discovered evidence suggesting Kendy did not die from a gunshot wound but rather from asphyxiation caused by a carotid restraint technique. This revelation contradicted the initial ruling of suicide. Prosecutors built a case against Dan Howard, alleging he staged the scene to appear as a suicide. Dan was charged with murder and faced a trial where he attempted to assert Kendy took her own life. However, the evidence presented by prosecutors led to a guilty verdict of second-degree murder.
Dan Howard’s attempts to escape custody further incriminated him, and he was ultimately sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The judge condemned his actions, emphasizing that he had perpetrated a vicious crime driven by pride, greed, and anger. The tragic loss of Kendy impacted her family and friends profoundly, but they found some solace in the justice served for her. The case highlighted the dangers of domestic violence and control within relationships, prompting calls for awareness and prevention efforts.
