Kootenai County prosecutors honored for Howard murder case

COEUR d’ALENE — Though Kendy Howard’s life was cut cruelly short, her presence was felt Friday at the Kootenai County Administration Building, when her family gathered with prosecutors, police and others who helped investigate her 2021 death and ultimately proved that she had been murdered by her husband.

Daniel Howard was convicted last March of second-degree murder and domestic battery. Prosecutors said he killed his wife via asphyxiation and then staged the scene to make it appear as though she died by suicide. For the murder, Daniel Howard is serving a life sentence in prison without the possibility of parole. 

The Kootenai County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office was honored this week with the Outstanding Victim Services Award for 2024. The award, presented by the Idaho Victim Witness Association, recognized the work of county prosecutors in the “complex and heartbreaking legal battle” that was the Howard case. 

“We were moved by the incredible work of the Kootenai County prosecutor’s office in the pursuit of justice,” said Aleshea Boals, president of the Idaho Victim Witness Association. 

Tens of thousands of people from across the country and around the world watched the two-week murder trial unfold live online, including Boals. 

She recalled the state’s powerful closing statement, delivered by prosecuting attorney Julia Schoffstall, who described Kendy Howard’s many reasons to live and the new life she was building, away from a controlling and abusive husband. 

“You ensured that her story was not just told, but honored,” Boals said. “More importantly, you stood by Kendy’s family, guiding them through their darkest and most devastating moments with care and compassion.” 

Brooke Wilkins, Kendy Howard’s daughter, commended the investigators, prosecutors and other staff who helped bring her mother’s killer to justice. She thanked Schoffstall and prosecuting attorney Art Verharen for their dedication to the case. 

“Feeling like you really got to know my mom through this was super meaningful,” she told Schoffstall. 

In turn, Kootenai County Prosecuting Attorney Stan Mortensen shared his appreciation for Kendy Howard’s family and the understanding and resilience they showed throughout a long, painful investigation and trial. 

“They were patient,” he said. “They wanted justice and they had to wait over three years to get it.” 

The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office played a key role. Mortensen praised the efforts of KCSO, including the deputies who first arrived on the scene after Daniel Howard called 911, the detectives who pursued the investigation for years after and the officers who stopped and arrested Daniel Howard one Friday night during trial, when he was on his way to the Spokane International Airport. 

Mortensen also highlighted the role of Lynn Acebedo, chief deputy coroner for Kootenai County. Acebedo meticulously photographed the bathroom where police found Kendy Howard dead and took note of elements at the scene that didn’t seem quite right, from the position of Kendy Howard’s body to the flow of blood around her mouth and cheek. 

Those photos proved instrumental when prosecutors challenged the findings of a Spokane County medical examiner who initially determined that Kendy Howard died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. 

“Lynn was probably the first one who said Kendy was already dead when she was shot,” Mortensen said. “We could not have proved this was a homicide and not a suicide if it weren’t for Lynn.” 

Mortensen became emotional when he read out loud a letter of commendation to his office from Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador. 

“Through your collective efforts, justice has been served. Kendy and her family have been given the dignity, support and closure they deserve,” he said, his voice wavering. “Your commitment to fairness and accountability makes a profound difference in the lives of those affected by crime.” 

    Kootenai County Prosecuting Attorney Stan Mortensen and Aleshea Boals, president of the Idaho Victim Witness Association, addressed the community Friday, when county prosecutors were honored for their work on a high-profile murder case.