Kendy Howard’s Tragic Death: How Convicted Ex-Cop Daniel Howard Murdered His Wife for Financial Gain

On February 2, 2021, Kendy Howard’s life was tragically cut short in a horrifying act of violence.

This case shows the dark side of what appeared to be a normal life, which was shattered by a toxic marriage, jealousy, and eventually, murder.

Kendy Howard was a 48-year-old resident of Atholl, Idaho.

She had spent over half of her life in a difficult and troubled marriage with Daniel Howard, a former Idaho state trooper.

After 27 years together, Kendy decided it was time for a change and filed for a divorce. 

She was eager to end her marriage and start a new chapter in her life.

Kendy was known for her cheerful and outgoing personality and her deep love for the outdoors.

She had two children: a daughter from a previous relationship and a son with Daniel. 

Kendy looked forward to new beginnings as she was getting a divorce and rekindled a relationship with her high school sweetheart, Daniel Pardo.

However, the end of Kendy’s marriage was not as smooth as she had hoped.

Kendy Howard

The Toxic Marriage Behind Kendy's Murder

Daniel Howard was known for his controlling and jealous behavior, which grew worse as their divorce proceedings got closer.

On January 29, 2021, just four days before her death, Kendy made a distress call to her new boyfriend, Daniel Pardo. 

Although Kendy did not speak directly to him, she left the line open so he could hear the Chaos going on in her home.

Alarmed by the background noise and what he thought was violence, Pardo contacted Kendy's parents.

They then called 911, reporting that Kendy was in a state of panic and in danger from her estranged husband.

Police were promptly dispatched to the Howard residence. 

Upon arrival, they found Kendy visibly anxious but relieved to see them. 

She packed a bag and went to stay with her parents that night. 

Despite the advice of her new boyfriend and her parents to avoid returning to the house, Kendy decided to go back the next day. 

She wanted to check on her animals and attend an eye appointment.

Kendy Howard

Questionable Suicide Claim and Daniel Howard’s Suspicious Actions

The tragic events took place on February 2, 2021.

Daniel Howard called 911, claiming that Kendy had shot herself while taking a bath. 

However, the responding officers found inconsistencies in his story. 

Daniel’s apparent grief seemed fake, with no signs of genuine emotion. 

You can see footage from his arrest below, where he pretends to cry and show deep sadness about what happened.

This behavior, coupled with the condition of Kendy's body, led the officers to suspect foul play.

Kendy’s injuries were extensive and indicated a violent struggle. 

Her body showed signs of severe trauma, including a broken jaw, bruises, lacerations on her feet, and a second-degree burn on her arm. 

These injuries suggested a brutal confrontation rather than a suicide. 

Daniel Howard

In-Depth Investigation

As the investigation unfolded, Daniel Howard’s history of violence and controlling behavior was closely examined.

In 2013, he showed extreme aggression after discovering Kendy’s affair with a neighbor, Matthew Wood.

His response included threatening the neighbor with an assault rifle and firing a shotgun at the roof of his house.

This past behavior, along with his actions after Kendy’s death, made him a primary suspect.

During his interrogation, Daniel attempted to portray Kendy as emotionally unstable and irrational. 

He claimed that she had previously threatened to harm herself, using this to deflect suspicion.

However, his inconsistent statements and his known history of violence painted a troubling picture.

The investigation revealed further criminal activities linked to Daniel. 

In 2014, after being suspended from the Idaho State Police, Daniel faced charges related to stalking, theft, and fraud.

These offenses, along with his erratic behavior after Kendy’s death, highlighted his history of violent and illegal actions.

Kendy Howard

Justice for Kendi: Conviction and Sentencing 

Daniel Howard was formally charged with Kendy's murder after a two-year investigation. 

His trial, which began a year later, revealed the full extent of his jealousy, greed, and anger. 

Despite his continued denial of guilt, the evidence against him was compelling.

Prosecutors presented a strong case.

They argued that, aside from his history of violent behavior and jealousy, Daniel had a major motive for killing his wife: financial gain.

Evidence showed that their divorce would result in the division of their substantial joint assets, estimated at around $2,000,000.

His obsession with money and his attempts to control Kendy throughout their marriage provided a strong motive for her murder.

Daniel Howard

In March 2024, Daniel Howard was convicted of second-degree murder and domestic battery. 

During his sentencing, he continued to deny his involvement in Kendy’s death, claiming that she had taken her own life. 

However, the judge found the evidence overwhelming and sentenced Daniel to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder. 

He also received an additional 10-year sentence for domestic battery, to be served concurrently.

Kendy's life, filled with promise and hope for a fresh start, was cut short by a man driven by jealousy and greed. 

Her case underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing dangerous behaviors before they escalate into violence.

As we reflect on Kendy’s story, we honor her memory and the potential that was so cruelly taken from her. 

Kindly share your thoughts in the comments about this case.

Also, for a more detailed analysis of the case, see the extended video below.

In another case, a stepfather has been sentenced for the brutal murder of his girlfriend's 15-year-old daughter Riley Crossman.

Click here to see the details of that case.

Source: Beyond Evil / YouTube