little volatile. There's a major history with him. And we're going to basically go clear. If she's if she's dead, she's dead. But >> what's going on? >> Yeah, he's upset, but it's not real water works or anything. >> I didn't think it was a gunshot. >> So, no heartbeat, no nothing. Secure the scene. Don't touch anything on your wife is faster. >> No. God damn it. >> Tuesday, February 2nd, 2021. Athl, Idaho. A 911 call breaks the stillness of a winter night. On the line, a former Marine and retired state trooper claims his wife has taken her own life in the bathtub. But what seems like a will soon reveal something else. A scene too clean and a story that doesn't fit. I'm Tyler and this is your daily dose of crime. We see you watching, but only about 11% of you are subscribed to the channel. So, if you enjoy this video, make sure to hit subscribe and ring that bell so that we can reach more people and you can keep getting your daily dose of crime. As always, thanks for being here. >> How's it going, guys? So, uh, this is a former ISP trooper and a little volatile. There's a major history with him. So, I'm waiting for two other units and we're going to basically go clear. If she's if she's dead, she's dead. But we want to make sure we're not walking into something because there's been a major history of issues. So, is that a volunteer? >> Yeah, it's our chief. >> Oh, okay. All right. Good deal. So, yeah, I just want to let you guys know that we're going to we're going to take it slow, make sure we're not walking into something, and we'll let you know. So, I'm just waiting. They There's one coming right now, but we're waiting for one other after that. Cool. Cool guys. >> Thanks for heads up. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. So, just so you know, we're uh 60 or n >> this guy that we're going to retired ISP. >> Yeah. But he's super volatile. He's torched off rounds. He's done all kinds of um so we're waiting for all of us to get here to go in and be aware that it could turn into something major. >> Wait with him. >> The first officers arrive at the property, a secluded home surrounded by forest. Dispatch identifies the caller as Daniel Charles Howard, age 54, who says he found his wife dead. They spot him standing at the entrance, shaken yet composed, repeating that she shot herself while he was watching television. But his tone and movements feel off, as though he's performing anguish while keeping control. The calm around the house is unsettling. There's no noise, no disorder, no trace of a recent emergency. In the air, an eerie sense of artificial order lingers. The officers don't say it out loud, but they sense that this scene feels too organized for a spontaneous tragedy. >> Okay. Well, where she at? >> I don't know. Why don't you ask, >> okay, let's go. Gloves in the bathroom. Never mind. >> Sended medical. >> I know you're retired, right? >> No, I'm not retired. Work. >> Okay. >> What's going on, >> sir? They have to do their job. >> What is it? They're going to >> hold the scene in there. Medical's going to go in there. >> They're going to do their job. >> Medical's going to go in there and do their thing. This is their scene now. >> It's Yeah, he's upset, but it's not real water works or anything. >> He's freaking out and like gagging, but >> So, no heartbeat, no nothing. Secure the scene. Don't touch anything. Okay. >> Hey, Dan. >> Dan. >> Hey, Dan. I'm Deputy Wheeler. I'm I'm sorry to inform you, but your wife is faster. >> No. God damn it. >> How long How long? >> Do you recall? >> What time is it? >> Did you Did you call 911 when you Was it a gunshot? >> No. >> Okay. >> I didn't Well, I Oh, no. >> Help us out with the time. >> I didn't think it was a gunshot. It was downstairs maybe going sound like something hit the floor or something. I don't know. >> When was When was the last time you saw your wife before she to go take a bath? >> Hour and hour and a half. >> Okay. >> Hour and a half or something. I don't know. I really don't know. I'ming out of it. >> It's It's about 11:15. >> Maybe 9:30. >> 9:30 or something? >> I think. >> Okay. >> I don't know. I might be wrong. >> Um, this is just a lockown crime scene, so we're not going to allow anybody that doesn't live here or anybody who's not here right now to be here at this time. >> Makes sense. Can I go in there? >> You can sit on the couch. >> Where do you want to sit? >> I'll just stand over here if I could. >> Absolutely zero access to a sink. Okay. >> Oh, 100%. >> Just Okay. >> Yeah. >> Do we know you? >> Well, it appears that there's a gun in the bathroom. >> I I can't see it. I was behind you. >> Um, >> what kind? You don't have a temperature. >> I'll have a chat. >> You asked me who I needed here. >> Hold on. >> Here's the deal. Okay. >> I'll tell you what the deal is, man. The deal is then you're going to listen to what we say. All right. Right now, this is a crime scene. We don't want anybody that's not here to come. >> If he wants to park down the street and sit in his car until he's allowed to come in, that's fine. He just can't come here without us. You >> tell him that when he gets here, >> I will. >> Please. >> I have no problem with it. >> You tell him he couldn't come here because >> I will give him my name and I'll take all the blame for it. I don't care. >> Thank you. >> You're very welcome. >> Ask him if I can start making phone calls. I guess >> I got to wait until they come in. It's all up the detectives. Once they come in, obviously you can ask. >> No. I'm sure you know as well as anyone how long is this how long this stuff takes. >> In their initial sweep, the officers describe an immaculate home free of visible signs of violence. Yet, small details contradict the story they've been told. The master bathroom is still warm and steamy, even though the central heating is off. The water pulled on the floor looks as if it had been standing for a while, and a faint smell of cleaner hangs in the air. One officer notes it as a minor observation, unaware that it will later become crucial evidence. Meanwhile, Howard's interview begins revealing subtle gaps. His memory is precise about trivial things, but vague about key details. He recalls what TV show he was watching before the gunshot, but can't pinpoint when he heard it. He claims he tried to help his wife, yet his clothes are dry. None of these contradictions prove anything alone, but together they open a gap between his account and the physics of the scene. >> Hey Dan, >> how you doing? >> So, what uh what was going on tonight? >> We're having marital problems. >> Mhm. >> And uh finalize uh Like is this a divorce has already been decided or is it >> No, it's open for discussion >> about her. >> She wants a divorce one day, she doesn't the next. >> So she brought home divorce papers, just preliminary ones. >> When was that? I don't want her. >> Was this the night we got called out here? >> No, I don't know if she had him then. She wanted to go and uh she's acting really weird. Of course, who doesn't in that situation, I guess. Anyway, she wanted to stand by or something. I don't know what either she called her or something like that and I called the sheriff to stand by so she could pack a bag. Anyway tonight, uh let's see. Okay, so I filled out the divorce papers. Let's see. [snorts] And then I uh I listed out all our stuff and and uh you know we're splitting 50/50 and uh we're trying not to she she didn't want she she just wanted us to go through one lawyer and you know make it variable and fast. I said okay. And I said I already filled these out. she as we filled them out [snorts] like she didn't want me to fill them out but she gave them to me and uh so I split up the stuff we agreed and then one of them was she was buying a house and she wanted to split this house and I said okay we're going to split that house too oh she went off her she got pissed off >> you guys own the house No, she's buying it. I guess she >> What was the plan there? >> She was going to move down there eventually and once this was done. >> Is that where you were? Were you downstairs when this happened? >> Yeah. >> In the basement? >> I was down there watching TV, getting the fire going. [snorts] First it was okay and then and then the and it wasn't and she she didn't she didn't like the idea of uh [snorts] liquidating the house down there. >> Where did the gun come from? >> Oh, [snorts] I bought that for years ago. >> So then what happened? So you're [clears throat] downstairs doing your paperwork. One day I went down to my dad's Lucille and come back today. Just take a trip, picked up my >> fly down there. >> No, we just drove. It was 4-hour drive. Yeah. Spent the night, helped him out. He just moved up there. [snorts] Then we come back and I got back this afternoon and to around. And when she got home, you know, she picked up some from the deli and and went down there and finalized it and she flipped when she realized that the house has to be liquidated, too. [snorts] And uh she went upstairs and she always takes a bath before bed. every So I heard the bath running and and uh and uh is that the TV down there? I heard that. Huh? I heard something hit the floor. I guess [snorts] didn't sound like a shot. I didn't think it was a shot. >> So you were coming upstairs to do what? check on her. I don't hear anything. >> Detectives attempt to reconstruct the night based on his testimony. Howard insists it all happened shortly after 9, but the 911 call was made nearly 2 hours later. That time gap becomes the first major conflict between his version and the official record. When asked about the divorce papers found inside the house, he answers calmly, saying it was her decision. In a later report, one investigator sums up the impression. Too much composure for someone who claims to have just lost his wife. At the same time, the forensic team continues its work in the bathroom. There's no blood spatter consistent with a close-range shot. No water outside the tub, and the firearm submerged shows minimal residue. Everything suggests that the scene is carefully arranged rather than naturally chaotic. An impression that begins to take hold amongst investigators. >> Was the bathroom door open or shut? It was open. She never shuts the damn thing. I check her pulse. >> Where did you check her pulse at? >> Both sides of her neck. I checked it both sides. You know, we downstairs here. It was when we had our first problems. She's upstairs with that gun. We were having problems. And I told her, I said, I said, "I can't work out on it." She had gun in her hand. She put up to her head, freaked me out. And uh I thought for sure, here we go. And uh dropped the gun. Shot through the floor. [snorts] I shot through the floor and hit the tile by the wood stove. And so I repaired some things downstairs. I took gun away. >> Same gun. >> Same gun. And uh you know the upstairs there's carpet but you know you can see I didn't repair that. I just heard there were drywall downstairs still hole probably. Well of course it was [snorts] and then uh one other time and after that time I I left it down. It was safe. >> What happened the second time? [snorts] >> Same thing. She took it out and threatened to shoot herself. M oh two and a half three years ago. And so since I've been here, we've been uh just going back and forth. You want to make it work? Okay, I'll encourage you to make it work. If you don't want to make it work, I'm encouraging to still make it work. I couldn't see throwing 27 years away. But then, you know, I'm the one that filled out the papers and I'll give her what she wants if that she wants. and then she we'll do everything 50/50. Okay, that includes the flipping house down there. >> So, you're I mean obviously you're you're wanting to make things work here [snorts] and she's saying >> I'm trying to encourage her. >> She's telling you you're not hearing me. I want the house and to change. >> Okay. >> I feel out of love but breaks my heart. I'm hurting you. >> Yeah. Then she'll come back and go, "Well, I'm not sure if I want the divorce." She's saying you can't move on and you you respond to her. Let's talk future, not negative past or things we're going to argue about. >> And that's all today. >> Yeah. She still thinks I lied. Whatever. >> Who did you think ran a fairway? >> She didn't say some girl up in Alaska. >> Okay. So, she's saying she knew that uh [sighs] that you lied and that you stayed in a with a female. >> Nope, that wasn't the case. >> Stay at a hotel. I already She called the credit card company. >> Yeah. And there's no motel uh charge. No kidding. I showed her my flight coming in my mileage plan. I showed her. I mean, >> so is this what the argument was about at at Curies then when you guys when you got home? [snorts] But she said, "I knew you lied to me at Curies about it." >> Well, that was amongst a lot of stuff that we talked about, but we we talked we talked uh we talked at my She's crying the whole time. I I I didn't I just don't didn't understand >> what you thought. Did it ever get physical? >> No. So, I kind of give her these encouraging paragraphs because we're beating a dead dog here. I I didn't >> She's She's just hammering the you about having an affair. >> Yeah. And whatever, no matter what I tell her and show her, you know, that's not the case. And >> I mean, obviously, so she thinks you've been cheating on her >> and I have been. So that's got that's probably >> this is the two days >> she thinks and this is all about >> uh I supposed to come home on Tuesday I came home on Thursday last week that's this is what that was all about and I can tell you I can show you my flight on Thursday and then you know I flew all the way down here I was up working >> so >> so I had to convince her that and I showed her you Well, no, I wasn't at a motel because that's what she You were in a motel. >> Well, you could understand some of our concerns here. You guys are going through a tough time. Someone ends up deceased. There's only two possible reasons. You understand? Not accusing anything. You just got to take a look at everything. >> I never touched her. [snorts] >> I mean, I'll have to tell you, you've been in this job long enough. You know as as well as we do. Um, so I'm going to I'm going to point out ask you, >> did you shoot your >> No. Technicians widen the perimeter and photograph subtle dust variations along the hallway, enough to map a line of movement through the house. Outside, Howard keeps insisting on going back inside, saying that he's tired. He wants to collect a few things, but that request is denied until the inspection is finished. The supervisor later describes his behavior as difficulty staying away from the controlled environment. It's not incriminating, but it's noted as behavior worth watching. Meanwhile, officers review household data. Appliances in use, lights on, a dryer running moments before the call. Each detail alone seems irrelevant, but together they form a domestic timeline that doesn't match his story. >> This conversation's going to be over if we keep this line up. >> You know, we got to ask the question. >> Yeah, you know as well as we do. That's what I was saying when you know >> I wish she would have [snorts] I wish she wouldn't have asked for that gun as part of her. Okay. >> You understand why we're [snorts] asking that? >> Yeah, I'm sure I do. >> Well, we have to. >> It's fine. >> Is there any reason why you would have gunshot residue on your person? I shot my 40 today, but I showered. >> I mean, >> okay. When was that? >> I don't know. 3:30 or so. >> Okay. Here on the property or >> Yeah. >> Okay. We're at >> by the tree over there. I [snorts] put it together. It was more or less a function check, but I popped off a few rounds. >> Okay. Because you were saying she was upset because you said it's community property. So you would have to liquidate that as well. >> Yeah. >> But couldn't you just say I'll take this house, you take that house? >> She she she started crying and said that was she went cuz I forgot to add that, you know, and I added that we went over tonight last night. Cuz I'm I was I'm assuming you wanted to keep this house or did you just want to get rid of this house? >> I meant before tonight. >> No, I didn't have any aspirations to keep it. >> Did she share with you any plans on what she you know grown out of the house? What was was a was a gold always go back to a smaller town or >> No. Uh she didn't really talk to me much about it. She when I got back this hit she she wanted to uh get that house down there and you know we'll split our assets up and then she was going to move down there and uh remodel it. So, it sounds like you guys had kind of had a plan, then all a sudden she flips out. Was that >> This [snorts] happens occasionally with her. I mean, it's like every other day I'll text her. She go, you know, try to text her positive things about a relationship and she'll go, "No, no." Then she'll get home and she'll start crying, go, "Yeah, I don't want to do this." But then she'll text me, "I don't want to hurt you, but I got this going on right now." She was really conflicted, I think. What was your last words to her? U was there anything out of anger? >> No, I just told her we could uh we could keep both houses. Then >> got a search warrant and get you a copy and start uh doing some pictures and process and everything. >> And I've got to ask again. I'm going to ask you this. It's going to make you mad at me and you know the deal. If you're in my shoes, you would ask it, too. >> I didn't touch her. >> Okay. Did you have anything to do with your wife's death? >> No. Well, besides pissing her off downstairs. >> Stan, another thing I got to bring up to you is, you know, obviously you're just you're distraught, you're upset. Um, you've been sobbing throughout the night, right? >> But there's no tears coming out. >> She should have been here. My mouth is dry. >> I'm sure it is. >> You know, we talked to any or friends. I mean, how am I going to hear that? There's absolutely no way she would have done something like that. >> I didn't think so either. This is going forward and we're going to take care of it. >> And she became emotional and that night, you know, back to bed we went. So that night though, so I mean, so you guys are you get home, you're discussing your divorce. Yeah, you still >> I know. >> Yeah. >> Was that the last time? >> No. >> Uhuh. And wasn't me initiating it either? >> So that part of your relationship was still fine. >> Yeah. She called it uh if we got divorced, we could be friends with benefits. >> Yeah, we're going to want to take a look at that 40 you were talking about firing since you did claim you fire a gun today. It's uh it's on the inside of the door. >> Oh, is it open? >> No, it's not open. Want me to open it? >> Yeah, if you wouldn't mind. And he was in the Marines. >> Yeah. You were in the range, weren't you? Yeah. Going over going over our stuff last night. I going over our stuff last night. Bathroom. She shot herself in the bathroom. >> Preliminary lab results would reveal more inconsistencies. No gunshot residue is detected on the victim's hands, and the skin shows no thermal marks, indicating that the shot was fired from a distance. Forensic specialists also find a faint evaporation line in the tub, proof that the water level had dropped over time. The body bears bruises on the arms and collar bone, consistent with physical resistance. Every element points to the same conclusion. The scene has been altered. During questioning, Howard's tone remains steady, his delivery rigid and deliberate. When confronted with these findings, the gunshot timing, the lack of residue, the firing distance, he shows no surprise, replying coldly, "I've already told you everything." That emotional flatness is noted as a sign of detachment common amongst individuals who manage narratives as a form of control. The biological evidence, however, is beginning to tell its own story. >> Sheriff's here processing the scene. [snorts] >> What? What are you talking about? Oh, you got to be kidding me. No, >> I'm not I'm not saying you are. I don't I told her to we're liquidating the house houses both of them and uh should just accuse you of this. Let's see what it sounds like. Why would you do that? >> Why would you think you did this? >> Dan, I was across the room and I to hear her. >> Oh, I know >> she's angry. What in the world would give her that impression? >> There's no way in the world she believed your mom would watch it. Believe their moms would do that. >> They also don't want to believe that their dad would do it. >> Yeah. >> So why would she? I haven't heard somebody that angry in a long time. >> She's emotional. >> I'll be honest with you. I was not expecting anything like that. >> Me neither. What did she ask you about the guns? >> Pointed a gun. >> What's that? >> I don't know what she said about me. >> Her immediate reaction was to attack you. >> Why does she think you killed her? >> And what in the world is she going to say to us? I mean, there's something else going on. You need to talk to us now. >> I don't know what else is going. Well, I don't know what's going on. >> Well, cuz they're close. So, I'm guessing that that Kendi probably shared a lot of stuff with her. >> Okay. >> So, what is she going to say? Because I guarantee as angry as she was, she's going to want to talk to us. She's going to be chasing us down. >> Five. >> What the hell is she going to say? Cuz I got to tell you that phone call put chills down my spine. >> People, >> you did it, didn't you, Dan? >> No, I didn't. >> I didn't think so. But now after listening that, I think you did, didn't >> How the hell How the hell? She doesn't know. She wasn't here. She knows what she knows that there's a divorce going on. >> What does she know? She knows something. >> She wouldn't have reacted the way she did. >> Well, I don't know what it is. >> Mother, she obviously had concerns if that was her knee-jerk. >> Okay. Well, >> you understand where we're coming from. >> What the? Because I had talked to my daughter about that. You think Do you think all you want? >> I think you did. >> No, I didn't. >> I don't know what it was about that phone call, but you know what? Something's telling me I think you did this. >> No. You think all you want? I didn't do it. >> I'm sorry. Who's that? >> Oh, no. >> You need a copy of my bar? >> I don't know. >> I'm sorry. Are you his legal representation? >> Months later, lab reports confirmed what investigators had only suspected that night. The bullet's trajectory didn't match a self-inflicted wound. The body showed signs of prior esphyxiation, and chemical traces in the tub indicated postevent cleaning. Experts concluded the shot was fired after death, and that the scene had been constructed with technical precision. Ironically, the very discipline that had once defined the former officer was what ultimately betrayed him. In 2024, after a three-week trial, Daniel Charles Howard would be found guilty of secondderee murder and felony domestic battery and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Investigators later described the case as an extreme example of control turned procedural. A psychological evaluation found traits of egoentrism and relational dominance with no trace of genuine grief. For those who work the case, one truth remained. Even in the cleanest of scenes, biology preserves what the mind tries to erase.