Former Idaho State Trooper Charged With Murder Of His Wife

On April 21, 2023, Daniel Charles Howard, a 57-year-old former trooper with the Idaho State Police, was arrested for allegedly murdering his wife. After he learned that a warrant was issued for his arrest, Howard went to the Kootenai County Jail and turned himself in. He was formally charged with murder and felony domestic battery, according to a press release from the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office.

Back on Feb. 2, 2021, Howard called police and claimed that Kendy Howard, his 48-year-old wife, had shot herself, reported Coeur d'Alene Press. However, it was determined that the fatal gunshot wound was not self-inflicted. After an extensive investigation, the Kootenai County prosecutors presented the case against Howard to a grand jury which led to Friday’s indictment.

Howard already had a criminal history that goes back nearly a decade. In 2014, he resigned from the Idaho State Police after he was suspended because of ongoing investigations into alleged crimes in both Bonner and Kootenai counties. Among the charges he faced were grand theft, petit theft, forgery, title fraud, and possession of an untagged deer.

The former state trooper also threatened to kill his best friend after accusing his wife of having an affair with the man, according to PEOPLE. Howard allegedly then poured syrup in the man’s cars, left him vulgar messages, and shot at his home. He admitted some of the accusations and agreed to pay restitution.

Howard ultimately pled guilty to fraud and possessing an untagged deer. He entered Alford pleas to petit theft and felony malicious injury to property. An Alford plea enabled him to acknowledge there was enough evidence against him for prosecutors to get a conviction, yet he didn’t actually admit guilt for those two charges.

Howard received a suspended three-year prison sentence. The Spokesman-Review revealed that Howard spent 120 days in jail for those crimes, and he completed 600 hours of community service.

“I screwed up and I stand here utterly ashamed. I will forever endeavor to correct these wrongs,” Howard said at his 2015 sentencing, according to the Idaho State Journal.

First District Court Judge Benjamin Simpson placed Howard on probation after his contrite pleas. He believed Howard’s claims that his actions were due to his struggles with a 2011 police shooting during which he shot and killed a woman and then later learning about his wife’s affair.

Kendy Howard stood up for her husband at the time and testified on his behalf. They reconciled and stayed together for years before her murder.

KREM-TV reported that Howard now remains in jail without bond on the charges of domestic battery and murdering his wife.

Kendy Howard was described in her obituary as a loving mother of two and a grandmother. She was remembered for some of the things she most loved to do such as being outside, visiting a good brewery, going to concerts, and enjoying her friendships.

If you or someone you know is dealing with domestic violence or abuse from a romantic partner, you can visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline website, call 1.800.799.SAFE, or text START to 88788 for help. Advocates are available 24/7 to help callers talk through their situation and connect them with local resources. There is no charge to reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline.