Suvechha Sarkar
On a quiet September morning in 2016, the close-knit community of La Crosse, Wisconsin, was shaken by a tragedy that left more questions than answers. Barbara Carol Kendhammer, lovingly known as Barb, was a 46-year-old devoted mother and wife who lost her life under circumstances that initially seemed like an accident. CBS’ ’48 Hours: Mystery on Country Road M’ focuses on the investigation marked by conflicting accounts, forensic scrutiny, and a timeline, which revealed that it was actually a homicide. It also features interviews with Barb’s children, authorities, and a jury foreman who were closely involved in the case.
Barbara Kendhammer Lived a Life Rooted in Family, Love, and Kindness
Merlin D. and Joyce Marie Adams were overjoyed when they welcomed their daughter, Barbara Carol Adams, into the world on March 4, 1970. She was affectionately known as Barb and grew up in a lively household in La Crosse, Wisconsin, alongside her beloved brother, David Adams. Barb was the kind of person who always made sure to help others whenever they needed it. She graduated from West Salem High School in 1988 and then pursued further education. When she was just 16 years old, she crossed paths with Todd Kendhammer. They soon became friends, and it wasn’t long before their friendship blossomed into love. Barb and Todd tied the knot in a church on August 3, 1991. Over the next few years, they welcomed their daughter, Jessica, and son, Jordan, into their lives.
Around 2002, Barb began working at the cafeteria of West Salem Middle School as part of the food service program. She had always loved animals and often kept several pets, including pups, kittens, and chickens, as well as her beloved pup, Trixie. Naturally, she was left heartbroken when Trixie passed away. The arrival of her granddaughter, Jessica’s daughter Carlin, lit up her life with joy once again. Barb lovingly called Carlin her “peanut” and made annual trips to the apple orchard with her granddaughter. She also loved spending time with her family during trips and enjoyed activities like snowmobiling, camping, and crafts. From time to time, Barb attended Warren’s Cranberry Fest and immersed herself in working on her flower garden. Her giving nature even led her to become an organ and tissue donor.
Barbara Passed Away at the Hospital Hours After Being Rescued From Her Car in a Ditch
In August 2016, Barb and Todd celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary with their family. Things seemed to be going well until September 16, 2016, when Todd called 911 at approximately 8:05 am. In the call, he reported that he and Barb had been in an accident, and he believed she was hurt in the throat and head. When officials arrived, they discovered Todd and Barb’s car in a ditch off a rural road in La Crosse. They found Barb critically injured and unconscious. Reports state that Todd claimed that a metal pipe from a passing truck had broken into the windshield, hurting Barb.
Paramedics were reportedly unable to find shards of glass on Barb but discovered a smashed windshield and her metal bottle. She was rushed to the hospital, where she was declared brain dead a few hours later. Unfortunately, Barb succumbed to her injuries on September 17, 2016, at Gundersen Health System. The autopsy reportedly revealed that she had three lacerations on the back of her head. She also had multiple fractures, including skull and cricoid cartilage. The medical examiner also reportedly found that she had scratches on her neck and numerous bruises on several parts of her remains. Barb’s cause of death was determined to be blunt force trauma to the head and neck.
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Conflicting Accounts and Autopsy Report Helped Officials Arrest the Killer
According to reports, when Todd was questioned at the scene, he claimed that a dark green or dark blue truck was passing by when a 53-inch-long metal pipe fell and smashed into his car’s windshield. He claimed that after it hurt Barb, he took it out to allegedly give CPR to her. Officials reportedly noted that he had scratch marks on his neck and bloody knuckles. Investigative reports suggest that when authorities checked a nearby CCTV camera, they were able to spot Barb and Todd’s car, but were unable to see any truck pass by in the opposite direction around the same time, which matched Todd’s description. Additionally, they grew suspicious because it wasn’t the route Todd usually took to drop Barb off at work.
As per court records, Todd claimed that he was going to pick up a truck from Justin Heim, who needed a new windshield. Official records indicate that Todd informed the detectives that he had done several windshield replacement jobs. He claimed that since he had to work with glass, it allegedly caused the scratches on his neck. Investigators then followed up on his account, but Justin reportedly denied needing any windshield replacement. According to police records, during the autopsy, the medical examiner pointed out that the three lacerations on the back of Barb’s head were inconsistent with a metal pipe injury. The expert reportedly believed that there was a possibility that the cricoid cartilage fracture might have occurred due to strangulation.
Reports state that another witness came forward, claiming to have seen Todd’s car in the ditch, but they informed the officials that it didn’t have a broken windshield. When Todd was questioned again, he claimed that he was going to meet one of Justin’s friends. According to investigative reports, the friend also denied ordering any windshield. Officials stated that they believed Todd had staged the scene after killing Barb. Ultimately, he was arrested on December 6, 2016, and charged with first-degree intentional homicide. His jury trial began in December 2017, and he was found guilty of the charge on December 14, 2017. Todd was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after at least 30 years on March 9, 2018. His parole eligibility date is reportedly set at March 9, 2048.
