Post Mortem | The Bathtub Murder of Kendy Howard
1Digest
This podcast delves into a variety of true crime cases, each highlighting the complexities of justice and the impact of corruption. The first case focuses on Kendi Howard, who was found dead in her bathtub with a gunshot wound to her head. Her husband, Dan Howard, a former Idaho State Police Trooper, claimed she shot herself, but inconsistencies at the scene raised suspicions. The investigation revealed Dan's history of violent and controlling behavior, and the medical examiner's report ultimately concluded that Kendi was dead before the bullet was fired. Dan was eventually charged with Kendi's murder, but the lack of concrete evidence and a confusing medical examiner's report created a complex and shocking case. The podcast then introduces "Informance Lawyer X," which focuses on Nikola Gabba, an Australian attorney who represented notorious gangland criminals while secretly informing on them. The podcast explores the shocking legal scandal and Nikola's motivations, highlighting the ethical dilemmas faced by lawyers who operate in the shadows. The next case recounts the story of Richard Jewel, a security guard who was wrongly accused of the Centennial Park Bombing. Despite evidence pointing to his innocence, public pressure and the FBI's unethical tactics led to his being declared the prime suspect. This case highlights the dangers of media frenzy and the potential for law enforcement to abuse its power. The podcast also introduces "Empire City," which explores the history of the NYPD, focusing on its origins and how it became one of the most violent and corrupt police departments in the world. This chapter examines the systemic issues within law enforcement and the impact of corruption on communities. Finally, the podcast introduces "Criminal Attorney," which tells the story of Paul Bergerin, a lawyer who broke all the rules to win cases at all costs. The podcast explores his controversial tactics and the ethical dilemmas they raise, highlighting the tension between achieving justice and upholding ethical standards.
Outlines
The Case of Kendi Howard and Dan Howard
This chapter explores the murder of Kendi Howard and the investigation into her husband, Dan Howard, a former Idaho State Police Trooper. The case highlights the complexities of a murder investigation, the impact of a controlling marriage, and the challenges of proving a homicide.
Informance Lawyer X: The Nikola Gabba Scandal
This chapter introduces the podcast "Informance Lawyer X," which focuses on Nikola Gabba, an Australian attorney who represented notorious gangland criminals while secretly informing on them. The podcast explores the shocking legal scandal and Nikola's motivations, highlighting the ethical dilemmas faced by lawyers who operate in the shadows.
The Centennial Park Bombing and Richard Jewel
This chapter recounts the story of Richard Jewel, a security guard who was wrongly accused of the Centennial Park Bombing. Despite evidence pointing to his innocence, public pressure and the FBI's unethical tactics led to his being declared the prime suspect. This case highlights the dangers of media frenzy and the potential for law enforcement to abuse its power.
Empire City: The NYPD and Police Corruption
This chapter introduces the podcast "Empire City," which explores the history of the NYPD, focusing on its origins and how it became one of the most violent and corrupt police departments in the world. This chapter examines the systemic issues within law enforcement and the impact of corruption on communities.
Keywords
Cold Case
A criminal investigation that has been inactive for a significant period due to a lack of leads or evidence. These cases often remain unsolved, but new information or advancements in technology can sometimes lead to breakthroughs.
Insider Knowledge
Information or expertise that is not publicly available and is typically gained through privileged access or involvement in a specific field or organization. This knowledge can be valuable in investigations, as it can provide insights that are not readily apparent to outsiders.
Arrogance
An exaggerated sense of self-importance and a belief in one's own superiority. Arrogance can manifest in behaviors such as overconfidence, disrespect for others, and a lack of empathy.
Control Marriage
A relationship where one partner exerts a significant degree of control over the other, often through manipulation, intimidation, or isolation. This type of marriage can be characterized by power imbalances, emotional abuse, and a lack of autonomy for the controlled partner.
Gangland Criminal
An individual involved in organized crime, particularly in the context of gangs or criminal organizations. These individuals often engage in illegal activities such as drug trafficking, extortion, and violence.
Informance
The act of providing information to law enforcement authorities, often about criminal activity. Informants can be valuable assets in investigations, as they can provide firsthand knowledge and insights that are difficult to obtain through other means.
Legal Scandal
A public controversy or controversy involving legal professionals, institutions, or practices. These scandals can involve corruption, misconduct, or violations of ethical standards.
Police Corruption
Illegal or unethical behavior by law enforcement officers, often involving bribery, extortion, or abuse of power. Police corruption can undermine public trust in law enforcement and erode the rule of law.
Q&A
What were some of the suspicious things that first responders noticed at the scene of Kendi Howard's death?
First responders noticed broken glass in the bedroom, a dryer running at midnight, and a lack of blood in the bathtub, which seemed inconsistent with a suicide.
What was Dan Howard's background, and how did it influence the investigation?
Dan Howard was a former Idaho State Police Trooper, which led investigators to believe he had insider knowledge on how to stage a murder as a suicide. His past also revealed a history of violent and controlling behavior.
What was the significance of the medical examiner's report in the case?
The medical examiner's report was initially inconclusive, stating the manner of death as undetermined. This made it difficult for prosecutors to establish a homicide, but ultimately, other medical experts reviewed the evidence and concluded that Kendi was dead before the bullet was fired.
What was Dan Howard's motive for allegedly killing Kendi?
Prosecutors argued that Dan's motive was Kendi's desire for a divorce. She was planning a new life without him, and he may have felt threatened by her independence.
What was the significance of Dan Howard's attempt to flee during the trial?
Dan's attempt to flee reinforced the prosecution's argument that he was guilty and trying to avoid facing justice. It also demonstrated his arrogance and belief that he could outsmart the authorities.
What was the impact of the case on Kendi Howard's daughter, Brooke?
Brooke was deeply affected by her mother's death and had a strained relationship with Dan. She was certain that he was responsible for her mother's death and was vocal in her accusations.
What is the main focus of the podcast "Empire City"?
"Empire City" explores the history of the NYPD, focusing on its origins and how it became one of the most violent and corrupt police departments in the country.
What are some of the controversial tactics used by Paul Bergerin, the lawyer featured in the podcast "Criminal Attorney"?
Paul Bergerin is known for using aggressive and unethical tactics to win cases, including witness intimidation, evidence manipulation, and bribing witnesses.
Show Notes
Join 48 Hours correspondent Peter Van Sant and producer Chuck Stevenson for a behind-the-scenes discussion about the murder of Kendy Howard. They discuss the cover-up by Kendy’s husband, Dan, to make her death look like a suicide, Dan’s troubling past as a state trooper, and his shocking drive to the airport during his trial. They also discuss an unaired clip of Dan’s 9-1-1 call that was used as evidence against him in court.
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