Peter Van Sant, a seasoned true crime reporter, delves into the shocking bathtub murder of Kendy Howard. He unpacks the tumultuous relationship between Kendy and her husband, Dan, revealing troubling signs of domestic violence and inconsistencies in Dan's story. The investigation raises critical questions about the evidence, including blood at the scene and a suspicious timeline. As the legal battle unfolds, emotional testimonies come to light, shedding light on the impact of domestic violence and the quest for justice.
Kendi Howard's death raised suspicions due to inconsistencies at the crime scene suggesting it was a staged murder rather than a suicide.
Dan Howard's troubling behavior and history of domestic violence played a critical role in the investigation, revealing deeper issues in their marriage.
Deep dives
The Suspicious Circumstances of Kendi's Death
Kendi Howard was found deceased in her bathtub, which raised immediate suspicions. Her body had a gunshot wound to the head, but several peculiar details suggested foul play, including broken glass and towels scattered around the scene. The detectives noted the absence of blood, which would typically accompany such an injury, further questioning the narrative of a suicide. Additionally, Kendi's firearm was discovered at the bottom of the tub, increasing doubts about the circumstances surrounding her death.
Dan Howard's Evasive Behavior
Dan Howard, Kendi's husband and a former state trooper, displayed increasingly suspicious behavior after Kendi's death. Initial observations by first responders noted Dan's lack of tears and emotional disconnect, despite his claims of shock. His resistance to gunshot residue testing and odd actions at the crime scene raised red flags for investigators. These elements, combined with inconsistencies in his account of events, led many to suspect that he was attempting to manipulate the investigation.
Underlying Marital Issues
Dan and Kendi's marriage presented significant tension, with friends and family revealing ongoing conflicts over finances and emotional dissatisfaction. Friends noted that Kendi felt trapped in the relationship, particularly after Dan's violent past and controlling behavior became apparent. There were indications of physical abuse, including visible bruises on Kendi and reports of Dan's angry outbursts, contributing to Kendi's anxiety and distress. As Kendi prepared to leave Dan and sought a divorce, the emotional stakes escalated, undoubtedly impacting the dynamics leading up to her death.
The Murder Investigation and Trial
Investigators initially struggled to gather conclusive evidence linking Dan to Kendi’s death, despite mounting circumstantial evidence against him. Over time, as the investigation progressed, it emerged that Kendi's death was likely a staged murder rather than a suicide, with Dan utilizing his law enforcement training to cover up his actions. Ultimately, prosecutors uncovered a theory that Dan had killed Kendi using a carotid restraint technique, a method he was familiar with from his police background. After a lengthy trial, Dan was found guilty of murder, which highlighted the broader issues of domestic violence and control within their marriage.