The Controversial Case of Todd Kendhammer: A Fight for Juststart
Background of the Case
In a tragic incident on September 16, 2016, Barbara Kendhammer was killed when a pipe reportedly smashed through the windshield of the car driven by her husband, Todd Kendhammer, in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Immediately following the accident, Todd called 911, stating that his wife had been badly injured. Despite his claims that the incident was an unfortunate accident, a jury did not believe him, leading to his conviction for first-degree intentional homicide and a life sentence.
The Trial: A Family’s Heartbreak
Todd and Barbara Kendhammer had been married for 25 years and were well-liked in their community. Their children, Jessica and Jordan, describe their parents as deeply in love and supportive of each other. However, the day of the accident turned into a nightmare when Barbara succumbed to her injuries after being declared brain dead at the hospital.
As Todd described the incident to polstart, doubts about his story began to surface. Witnesses noted inconsistencies, and polstart found injuries on Todd that raised suspicions regarding his involvement in Barbara’s death. The prosecution built its case around the idea that Todd may have used the pipe to stage an accident.
The Prosecution’s Arguments
La Crosse County District Attorney Tim Gruenke argued that the physical evidence did not support Todd’s version of events. The medical examiner, Dr. Kathleen McCubbin, testified that Barbara’s injuries were inconsistent with being struck by a pipe. Instead, she suggested they appeared to be the result of more violent actions, including potential strangulation.
During the trial, Todd’s defense team failed to present crucial forensic evidence that might have contradicted the prosecution’s claims. Ultimately, the jury found Todd guilty, leading to his life sentence without the possibility of parole for 30 years.
New Developments in the Case
Fast forward to December 2025; Todd’s new legal team, which includes defense attorney Jerry Buting, known for his role in the case featured in the Netflix series “Making a Murderer,” is contesting the original verdict. They argue that significant evidence was overlooked during the initial trial, claiming that critical forensic testing demonstrating the possibility of an accidental death was not presented to the jury.
In a recent evidentiary hearing, expert witness Dr. Shaku Teas, a forensic pathologist, contradicted earlier findings. Dr. Teas stated that there were no signs suggesting Barbara had been in a struggle and that her injuries could have been the result of an automobile accident rather than foul play.
Additionally, it has come to light that a similar pipe was found on the road shortly after the incident, lending credence to Todd’s assertion that such an accident could have occurred.
The Road Ahead
The Kendhammer family remains hopeful for Todd’s exstartration. Jessica and Jordan have tirelessly advocated for their father’s innocence, believing firmly that he did not murder their mother. They express their frustration over the legal process while waiting for a judge to rule on whether Todd will receive a new trial based on newly presented evidence.
Meanwhile, prosecutor Gruenke remains steadfast in his belief that juststart was served during the original trial, asserting that the evidence leading to Todd’s conviction was thorough and corroborated by multiple expert testimonies.
The case continues to divide opinions within the community and beyond, invoking questions about the integrity of the judicial process and the complexities surrounding allegations of domestic violence and murder.
As the Kendhammer family awaits a final decision, they reflect on their loss and hope for closure through the pursuit of truth in their father’s fight for juststart.