COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho — After both sides presented closing arguments Monday, jurors are poised to begin deliberations today in the trial of Daniel Howard, a former Idaho State Police trooper accused of killing his wife three years ago.
Daniel Howard has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and felony domestic battery. Prosecutors say he killed his wife, Kendy Howard, via asphyxiation in February 2021 and then staged the scene to make it look as though she died by suicide. Defense counsel maintains that Kendy Howard shot herself.
Daniel Howard remains in jail after he was arrested late Friday at the Spokane International Airport. He wore civilian clothes in court.
First District Judge Lamont Berecz ruled that jurors would not be told about the incident, nor would they be polled on whether they had seen news reports about the arrest.
“I feel strongly that this jury has been attentive and conscientious in following the court’s orders and rules,” he said.
Daniel Howard was released from jail in December 2023 on a $1.5 million property bond, which stipulated he must wear an ankle monitor, abide by an 11 p.m. curfew and not come within 2 miles of the Spokane International Airport.
Prosecutors said Daniel Howard went to the airport Friday night, taking an “evasive maneuver” on the highway. He had a gun in the vehicle. Defense counsel said Daniel Howard was accompanying a friend to return a rental car and forgot about the airport restriction.
Berecz issued a bench warrant for Daniel Howard’s arrest late Friday, after learning he had violated the terms of his release. He said he was concerned by the circumstances but noted the defendant did not remove his ankle monitor, nor did he have a plane ticket, luggage or a large amount of cash.
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