Podcast Summary: Anatomy of Murder - "The Car in the Ditch (Barbara Kendhammer)"
Release Date: November 5, 2024
Hosts: Anna-Sigga Nicolazzi and Scott Weinberger
Introduction
In the episode titled "The Car in the Ditch (Barbara Kendhammer)," hosts Anna-Sigga Nicolazzi and Scott Weinberger delve into a perplexing murder case from La Crosse County, Wisconsin. This case revolves around the tragic death of Barbara Kendhammer and the subsequent investigation that uncovers layers of deception and forensic intrigue.
Background: Barbara and Todd Kendhammer
Barbara Kendhammer, a 46-year-old mother of two and a new grandmother, lived a content life in the small, tight-knit community of La Crosse, Wisconsin. She worked as a lunch lady at West Salem Middle School and was beloved by her colleagues and students alike. Her husband, Todd Kendhammer, aged 46, had recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. Their life together appeared to be the epitome of suburban bliss, with no apparent signs of discord.
Anna-Sigga Nicolazzi introduces the couple:
"Barbara Kendhammer was a mother of two and a brand new grandmother who enjoyed gardening and crafting... her sudden death was a shock to everyone who knew her." [08:37]
The Incident: September 16, 2016
On a serene September morning, Todd and Barbara were involved in a car accident that would forever change their lives. Todd reported that while driving northbound on Highway M, a large metal pipe fell off an oncoming truck, shattered their windshield, and struck Barbara, leading to her severe injuries.
Todd recounts the moment to the 911 dispatcher:
"According to Todd, his wife had been struck by a large pipe that had fallen off the back of a truck and smashed through their windshield." [05:26]
Emergency responders arrived to find Barbara unconscious and bleeding, with Todd performing CPR in a desperate attempt to save her. Despite swift medical intervention, Barbara succumbed to her injuries two days later.
Investigation Begins: Uncovering Inconsistencies
Initial investigations deemed the incident a tragic accident. However, peculiarities at the scene began to raise questions. Deputy Tim Grinke noticed unusual dirt patterns inside the car and blood spatter in unexpected areas, suggesting multiple impacts rather than a single, accidental injury.
"There was dirt on the front seat of the car, and this area had no dirt. The shoulder was immediately swamp grass. So he thought it was. Why would there be dirt on that seat?" [09:05] [Tim Grinke]
Further investigation revealed that Barbara's autopsy did not align with Todd's account. While he claimed the pipe struck Barbara through the windshield, her injuries were indicative of blunt force trauma to the back of her head, not the front.
Autopsy findings highlight discrepancies:
"The autopsy doctor said the main injuries and the cause of death was blunt force trauma to the back of her head... there is no evidence the pipe caused these specific injuries." [11:14]
Forensic Evidence: Building the Case
The forensic analysis played a pivotal role in unraveling the truth. Blood spatter inside the car and on the rear tire suggested that Barbara was assaulted from both inside and outside the vehicle. Additionally, examination of the windshield revealed multiple strikes that could not have been caused by a single pipe impact from an oncoming truck.
Blood spatter analysis reveals inconsistencies:
"There was blood spatter inside the windshield and on the steering wheel and on the dash, but there wasn't any on the passenger's window on the inside... pooling of blood on the floor mat and on the center console." [32:42]
An eyewitness, a drywaller, confirmed that when he passed the scene, the windshield showed no damage, contradicting Todd’s initial report.
"So the windshield was fine when he drove by... the only conclusion is he staged this accident and he's the one who put the pipe through the windshield." [35:30]
The Arrest: Todd Kendhammer Charged
On December 6, 2016, Todd Kendhammer was arrested and charged with first-degree intentional homicide. The prosecution, led by Tim Grinke, presented substantial evidence indicating that the accident was a meticulously staged murder.
"The police did not arrest him because they still thought they had some work to do. [...] It was a staged event." [23:21]
Trial and Verdict: Proving Intentional Homicide
The trial garnered significant attention, especially within the close-knit community that knew Todd as a devoted husband. Despite his consistent denial and portrayal of innocence, the accumulation of forensic evidence overwhelmed the defense's case.
Prosecution highlights forensic evidence:
"The two biggest challenges we had were, first of all, we still did not have any motive... but we knew that what he said happened couldn't have happened." [38:35]
During cross-examination, detectives systematically debunked Todd’s account, questioning the plausibility of his actions and the timing of events.
Cross-examination exposes lies:
"You lied about that too, right?... she wasn't able to call because she wasn't physically able to call, correct?" [47:05]
After deliberating for nine hours over two days, the jury found Todd Kendhammer guilty of first-degree intentional homicide on December 15, 2017.
"The jury just found him to be making it up as he went along... that was enough to prove that he had beaten her to death." [49:12] [Tim Grinke]
Aftermath: Appeals and Continuing Tensions
Following his conviction, Todd Kendhammer filed an appeal citing mishandling of forensic evidence and investigative errors. However, multiple court rulings have upheld his conviction. To this day, Todd maintains his innocence, supported by his children who continue to believe in his non-violent character.
Prosecutor's reflection on motive:
"We didn't try to present the motive because we decided most people will understand that there's plenty of marriages that are a surprise when someone..." [31:53]
Barbara’s family’s ongoing grief:
"Barbara was living her life one day, and then the next... our thoughts today are with them for healing and peace." [50:09]
Conclusion: Lessons from the Case
The "Car in the Ditch" case exemplifies the critical role of forensic evidence and meticulous investigative work in uncovering the truth behind seemingly straightforward incidents. The collaboration between experienced investigators and advanced forensic technology proved indispensable in transforming a potential accident into a solved homicide case.
Scott Weinberger concludes:
"The partnership between a detective's instincts and the newest technology in solving cases... killers are finding it harder and harder to hide." [52:19]
Final Thoughts
Anna-Sigga Nicolazzi and Scott Weinberger provide a compelling narrative that underscores the complexities of murder investigations. Through detailed examination and expert insights, they illuminate how truth often lies beneath layers of deception, reminding listeners of the profound impact such cases have on families and communities alike.
This detailed summary captures the essence of the "The Car in the Ditch (Barbara Kendhammer)" episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who have yet to listen.