KOOTENAI COUNTY, Idaho — On Thursday, a Kootenai County judge sentenced the former Idaho State Police trooper to life in prison for killing his wife, Kendy Howard, in 2021.
A jury convicted Daniel Howard of second-degree murder and domestic battery in March.
“No parole. Dan Howard is going to die in prison," Kootenai County prosecutor Stanley Mortensen said.
According to Mortensen, a second-degree murder conviction doesn’t always result in a life sentence. But that’s what happened during Howard's sentencing. All because the judge wanted to send a message that this crime would not be tolerated.
Sheriff Bob Norris said in a statement immediately following the sentencing hearing: "Dan Howard tortured and murdered his wife. He has forfeited his right to live in a civilized society. Society is a safe place knowing he will die in prison."
In the hearing, prosecutors and the judge said jealousy and greed motivated Howard to kill his wife and stage her death as a suicide.
"Despite your efforts at the time to appear emotional, sad and distraught, it's clear to me that you're a remorseless killer," Judge Lamont Berecz said.
Kendy’s family told the judge they were haunted by what they could have done to protect her.
“I struggle with guilt and struggle with not knowing," Brooke Wilkins, Kendy's daughter said. "I wish I could have convinced her to stay with me instead of going home that night. The fear in her voice and on her face when she told me how she woke up to him standing over her will never leave me."
Brooke said her mother never let anything get her down. That's why it’s become important to her to keep a positive outlook going forward.
"Nothing will fill the hole he created, and nothing can fix or undo what he has done," Brooke said. "But her name can be free. the thought that he can no longer have control over her name, her memory, and her spirit gives me a sense of peace."
Howard insists he is innocent and told the judge he loved his wife.
"I'm not that monster, I assure you, that people portray me to be," Howard said. "When my wife took her life, my will to live went down significantly."
Mortensen said after Howard's conviction in March, Howard refused to eat while in custody. He adds, that the sheriff's office also found Howard in possession of materials in his cell that are known to be used to commit suicide.
"I think this was his attempt to avoid justice," Mortensen said.
A life sentence for Howard is what Mortensen considers the best possible outcome. And it's one that Kendy’s parents are happy with as well.
“It’s not going to bring her back, but we’re relieved he’s not going to be released to hurt someone else," Janie Wilkins, Kendy's mother said.
Howard now has 42 days to file an appeal. At this time, It's not clear if he will pursue that.
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