The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office said that a former Idaho state trooper who resigned several years ago as a result of numerous criminal investigations into his behavior has been detained for allegedly killing his wife in February 2021.
On Friday, April 21, 2023, Daniel Howard, 57, surrendered to authorities to face accusations of murder and domestic battery in the death of Kendy Howard, who was survived by two grown children and a granddaughter.
Howard called police on the night of Feb. 2, 2021, and told officers that Kendy shot herself, according to the Coeur d’Alene Press.
Detectives now believe that the fatal gunshot wound was not self-inflicted.
Howard resigned from Idaho State Police in November 2014 as investigators looked into several crimes he committed across multiple counties.
Prosecutors alleged at the time that Howard threatened to kill his friend after he found out his wife was having an affair with him in 2013, according to the Spokesman-Review.
Howard allegedly left his friend threatening messages, poured syrup in his friend’s vehicles, and shot at his house with a firearm, according to the local newspaper.
He also allegedly stole thousands of rounds of ammunition from Idaho State Police and used a fake name on an application for a motorcycle.
Howard struck a plea deal with prosecutors and was sentenced to 120 days in jail and 600 hours of community service, the Spokesman-Review reported at the time.
Kendy, a native of Idaho, was described in her obituary as being “well known for her bright smile and outgoing personality.”
“She was loved dearly by her family and we cannot express how much we will miss her,” the obituary reads.
She shared a quiz on Facebook for the last time on Feb. 2, 2021, the day that her husband allegedly murdered her.
“Kendy, 2021 will bring you… a single but happy life,” the post reads.