KOOTENAI COUNTY, Idaho – The case surrounding a former ISP Trooper convicted of murdering his wife took another bizarre turn Tuesday as Dan Howard is now said to be on a ‘hunger strike.’Howard was convicted of second-degree murder last month. Prosecutors said he staged the murder of Kendy Howard to look like a suicide. Her body was discovered in a bathtub at the couple’s Athol home in 2021. The jury deliberated for about eight hours following the two-week trial.The emergency court hearing was called to address Howard’s health. Testimony from a medical professional who has seen Howard in jail revealed he has lost approximately 50 pounds since mid-March. Kootenai County Prosecutor Stanley Mortensen asked the judge to expedite the sentencing, set right now for May 23, citing concerns Howard may be too unhealthy for the proceedings. Howard’s attorney, Jason Johnson, wanted to keep the set date, saying Howard’s competency is fine and that he has been engaging in the process. The judge ruled to keep the May 23 date.The judge also ruled there will be no physical intervention to forcibly feed Dan Howard.Tuesday, April 30, would have been Kendy Howard’s 62nd birthday. Family members were present for the Zoom hearing.
