Full Breakdown
The Kendhammer Case: A Controversial Conviction
12/23/2025, 9:37:05 PM
Incident Overview
On September 16, 2016, Todd Kendhammer reported a tragic car accident in which his wife, Barbara Kendhammer, sustained fatal injuries. He claimed that a pipe flew off a truck, shattered their windshield, and struck Barbara, who later died in the hospital. However, the La Crosse County Sheriff's Office quickly began to question the validity of his account.
Investigation and Trial
Surveillance footage from a nearby horse ranch showed the Kendhammer vehicle passing by shortly before the incident, but no truck matching Todd's description was observed. Investigators uncovered inconsistencies in Todd's statements regarding their destination, which he initially claimed was to pick up a truck for windshield replacement. However, it was revealed that the truck owner, Justin Heim, had not requested such a service.
The prosecution, led by La Crosse County District Attorney Tim Gruenke, argued that Todd Kendhammer intentionally killed Barbara and staged the accident. During the trial, conflicting expert testimonies emerged regarding the nature of Barbara's injuries, with the medical examiner stating they were inconsistent with an accident caused by a pipe. Todd's defense contended that the prosecution failed to provide a clear motive or evidence of domestic issues, as there was no history of violence or financial troubles between the couple.
Verdict and Aftermath
Despite Todd's insistence on his innocence and his emotional testimony, the jury convicted him of intentional homicide, sentencing him to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 30 years. Following the conviction, Todd's family engaged attorney Jerry Buting, known for his role in the "Making a Murderer" case, to pursue an appeal. They argue that new evidence suggests Barbara's injuries could have been accidental.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics of the conviction, including Todd's children, Jessica Servais and Jordan Kendhammer, maintain that the prosecution's case was built on speculation. They argue that the evidence presented did not definitively prove Todd's guilt, and they question the thoroughness of the investigation. Jessica expressed frustration that the prosecution did not adequately address how Todd could have staged the accident if he had intended to kill Barbara.
Official Statements
Gruenke remains confident in the conviction, stating, "Do you have any concerns at all that you might have convicted an innocent man? Not in this case, no." Meanwhile, Todd's defense team continues to advocate for a new trial, asserting that the original defense was ineffective and that critical evidence was overlooked.
What's Next
The Kendhammer family is actively pursuing an appeal, with a focus on the new forensic testimony that contradicts the original medical examiner's findings. As they seek to overturn the conviction, the case remains a focal point of public interest, highlighting the complexities of domestic violence and the justice system.
