A former Idaho State Police Trooper is facing charges of murder and felony domestic battery in connection to the murder of his then-wife back in 2021.
According to Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO), 57-year-old Daniel Charles Howard turned himself into the KCSO on Friday evening for the murder of his then-wife 48-year-old Kendy Wilkins.
The Coeur the Alene Press reported he was put on administrative leave in 2014 without pay due to criminal charges in Kootenai and Bonner counties due to three felony charges.
Howard has a history of past criminal. In May 2014, he was charged with first-degree stalking, aggravated assault and malicious injury to property. The new charges against Howard allegedly stem from Howard’s reaction to learning his wife had been having an affair with their Athol neighbor.
After Howard learned it was his neighbor, he reportedly confronted the man at work. During the confrontation, court records state Howard accused the man of committing the “ultimate betrayal” and was “extremely agitated.”
Howard continued harassing his neighbor. The alleged harassment and property damage began shortly after the confrontation, with Howard accused of following his neighbor on multiple occasions in his patrol vehicle and stealing guns and mail.
The man eventually moved out of the Athol home and began living in Washington, “partially out of fear” of Howard and the harassment continuing.
The affidavit states police obtained a search warrant for Howard’s residence. When the warrant was served, officers found stolen Idaho State Police (ISP) ammunition and a fraudulent title for a motorcycle, which led to Howard being charged with crimes in both Kootenai and Bonner counties. Howard was interviewed several times about the allegations against him, as reported by the Coeur d’Alene Press.
As of Saturday, April 22, 2023, Howard is in jail at no bond and he is set to be arraigned next week, KCSO said.
Tell us your thoughts...