Joe Kenda (born on November 14, 1946) is a retired American homicide detective, television personality, and author, best known for his role as the star of Homicide Hunter: Lt. Joe Kenda.
He became famous for solving 356 out of 387 homicide cases during his career with the Colorado Springs Police Department. With a net worth estimated at around $4 million, Kenda has also gained significant fame through his TV career.
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Who is Joe Kenda?
Joe Kenda is a retired homicide detective, television personality, and author known for his impressive crime-solving abilities. He spent over two decades in law enforcement. He worked with the Colorado Springs Police Department.
During his career, he became one of the most successful homicide detectives in the United States. With an exceptional 92% case closure rate, he solved 356 out of 387 homicide cases.
After retiring in 1996, Kenda transitioned into television and became the star of Homicide Hunter, a popular true-crime series on Investigation Discovery. The show, which aired from 2011 to 2020, featured real-life cases from his career, with Kenda narrating his experiences.
Following the success of Homicide Hunter, he launched another series, American Detective with Lt. Joe Kenda, in 2021, where he highlights the work of other homicide detectives.
Beyond television, Kenda is also an author. His books offer deeper insights into criminal investigations and the emotional toll of solving violent crimes. Through his work, Kenda has made his legacy as a skilled investigator and crime storyteller.
Early Life of Joe Kenda
Joe Kenda was born as Joseph Patrick Kenda on November 14, 1946, in Herminie, Pennsylvania, United States. He is American by nationality and has Slovenian and Irish ancestry. His paternal grandparents immigrated from Čezsoča, Slovenia, in 1913, while his mother had Irish roots.
His father name was William Kenda. He was an intelligence officer in the United States Army during World War II. After the war, he started a trucking business. His mother name Virginia (née Morrissey) Kenda, was from Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Joe grew up in a working-class family with a mining background. His father, uncle, and grandfather were all coal miners. Unfortunately, his grandfather died in a coal mining accident in 1933.
Joe grew up alongside his sibling, William Vincent Kenda Jr. . He spent his childhood in Pennsylvania, where he developed a strong interest in crime and investigations from an early age. Kenda attended Greensburg Central Catholic High School, where he completed his education in 1964.
After high school, he enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. He later pursued higher education and obtained a Master’s degree in International Relations from Ohio State University in 1970.
Joe Kenda Age
Joe Kenda is 78 years old as of 2024 because he was born on November 14, 1946, in Herminie, Pennsylvania, United States. According to his birthday, he falls under the Scorpio.
Early Career
Joe Kenda initially considered a career with the Foreign Service but changed his path after attending a classified briefing with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
The experience led him to decide against working in intelligence, and he instead pursued a career in law enforcement. Before joining the police force, he briefly worked at his father’s trucking business.
In 1973, Kenda joined the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD). This marked the beginning of his legendary career in criminal investigations.
In his early years with the department, Kenda focused on learning the basics of police work. He handled routine cases and shows his dedication to solving crimes.
Promotion to Detective and Transition to Homicide (1977-1980)
Kenda’s investigative talents became evident in 1977 when he was promoted to the rank of detective and assigned to the burglary division.
However, his skills as an investigator were soon put to the test when he volunteered to take on an attempted murder case that had been deemed unsolvable by senior detectives.
Kenda shows exceptional intuition and problem-solving abilities in solving the case. His success impressed his superiors and proved that he had a natural talent for homicide investigations.
Kenda was transferred to the homicide unit. There, he began working on more complex and violent crimes. His keen ability to analyze crime scenes and read people set him apart from other detectives.
By 1980, Kenda was promoted to the rank of sergeant, a role in which he took on greater responsibilities in both investigations and leadership.
Major Crimes Unit and Rise to Prominence (1984-1996)
After briefly working in other areas of law enforcement, Kenda returned to homicide full-time in 1984 and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming one of the most respected detectives in the department.
Kenda was promoted to lieutenant and appointed Commander of the Major Crimes Unit. In this role, he oversaw some of the most high-profile and difficult cases in Colorado Springs.
During his tenure, he investigated 387 homicide cases, successfully solving 356 of them a 92% closure rate, one of the highest in the nation. His ability to detect deception during interrogations was one of his strongest assets.
Kenda often credited his success to being a student of human nature. He explained that his ability to read people and detect when someone was lying played a key role in his investigative success.
However, despite his remarkable track record, some colleagues later questioned the validity of his claim of solving 356 cases.
Retirement from Law Enforcement (1996)
After 23 years of service, Kenda made the difficult decision to retire in August 1996. His departure was largely influenced by a deeply traumatic interrogation with a 74-year-old sex offender.
During the questioning, the suspect admitted to abusing his 5-year-old grandson, claiming that the child had “come on to him.” Overcome with rage and disgust, Kenda lost control and had to be physically restrained from attacking the suspect.
Realizing that the emotional toll of his work had pushed him to his breaking point, Kenda stepped away from law enforcement. After retiring, he took a position as a special-needs school bus driver and worked in this role from 1998 to 2008.
The job provided a peaceful contrast to his years of investigating violent crimes. However, he later admitted that he struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to the horrors he had witnessed throughout his career.
Media Career and Rise to Television Fame (2011-Present)
In 2008, Denver television editor Patrick Bryant approached Kenda with the idea of creating a true crime television series based on his career. Kenda agreed, and in 2011, the show Homicide Hunter: Lt. Joe Kenda premiered on Investigation Discovery (ID).
By its ninth season in 2018, Homicide Hunter became ID’s highest-rated show. It averaged 1.7 million viewers per episode. The series concluded with its final episode, The End, on January 29, 2020, in which Kenda reflected on the personal impact of his career in homicide investigations.
Continuation with American Detective (2021-Present)
Despite retiring from Homicide Hunter, Kenda continued his television career with a new series, American Detective with Lt. Joe Kenda, which premiered in January 2021 on the Discovery+ streaming service.
Unlike his previous show, this series focused on homicide cases solved by other detectives across the United States, with Kenda offering expert analysis and commentary.
Unsolved Cases and Contributions to Cold Case Investigations
Even after retiring from law enforcement, Kenda’s work continued to have an impact. In 2021, two homicide cases that he had originally investigated in the 1980s were finally solved using DNA evidence:
- The 1987 murder of Darlene Krashoc
- The 1988 murder of Mary Lynn Vialpando
These breakthroughs further cemented Kenda’s legacy as a highly skilled investigator who pursued justice for victims and their families.
Kenda is also an executive board member of the American Investigative Society of Cold Cases (AISOCC), where he provides expertise to law enforcement agencies working on unsolved homicides.
Authorship and Literary Contributions
In addition to his television career, Kenda has authored several books based on his experiences in law enforcement:
- I Will Find You: Solving Killer Cases from My Life Fighting Crime (2017) – A memoir detailing some of his most unforgettable cases.
- All Is Not Forgiven (2023) – A fictionalized account of one of his early homicide cases in 1975, released by Blackstone Publishing.
Joe Kenda Movies & TV Shows
Joe Kenda is best known for his appearances in crime documentary series that showcase his extensive experience as a homicide detective. Below is a list of his notable television appearances and movies:
Some of Joe Kenda TV Shows & Movies are listed below:
- Homicide Hunter: Lt. Joe Kenda (2011–2020)
- American Detective with Lt. Joe Kenda (2021–present)
- Homicide Hunter: Never Give Up (2022)
- Real Detective (2016)
- Handsome: A Netflix Mystery Movie (2017)
Joe Kenda Net Worth & Salary
Joe Kenda has an estimated net worth of $4 million as of 2025. He earns money primarily through his television career, book sales, and speaking engagements.
His hit series, Homicide Hunter: Lt. Joe Kenda, and its follow-up, American Detective with Lt. Joe Kenda, have been major sources of income.
Additionally, he receives earnings from his published books, such as I Will Find You and All Is Not Forgiven, which have gained popularity among true crime enthusiasts.
Beyond media, Kenda also makes money from live events, interviews, and consulting on homicide investigations. As an executive board member of the American Investigative Society of Cold Cases (AISOCC), he provides expert insights, which may contribute to his earnings.
His combination of television royalties, book sales, and public appearances ensures a steady income even after retiring from law enforcement.
Joe Kenda’s salary per episode of Homicide Hunter: Lt. Joe Kenda is not publicly disclosed. However, it is estimated that stars of Investigation Discovery’s shows typically earn around $25,000 to $40,000 per episode.
As the lead in a popular show, Kenda’s salary likely falls within this range, though specific figures have not been confirmed.
Joe Kenda Wife and Children
Joe Kenda is married to Mary Kathleen Kathy Mohler, his high school sweetheart. The couple exchanged vows on December 26, 1967, and have been together for over five decades. Kathy has been a strong pillar of support throughout Joe’s career.
She played a crucial role in his eventual decision to retire, as she feared for his safety and urged him to leave law enforcement before he became a victim of violence. Despite the challenges of his profession, their bond remained strong, built on love, trust, and unwavering support.
Joe and Kathy Kenda have two children: Daniel J. Kenda and Kris Kenda. Daniel followed a path of service similar to his father and became a United States Navy intelligence officer, stationed in Virginia.
His daughter, Kris, pursued a career within the United States government, though her specific role has been kept private for security reasons.
Both children grew up witnessing their father’s dedication to solving crimes, but Joe deliberately kept his work separate from his family to shield them from the trauma of homicide investigations.
Social Media Appearance
Joe Kenda maintains a presence on social media, primarily through platforms like Facebook, X, and Instagram, where he connects with fans of Homicide Hunter and American Detective.
His official pages share updates about his books, TV appearances, and personal insights into crime investigations. While he is not highly active on social media himself. His accounts serve as a space for followers to engage with his content, discuss true crime cases, and stay informed about his latest projects.
Joe Kenda Height and Weight
Joe Kenda stands at approximately 5 feet 11 inches which is equal to 180 centimeters tall and has a sturdy build. Throughout his career as a homicide detective and television personality, he has maintained a commanding presence, which added to his reputation as a sharp and confident investigator.
He weighs around 80 kilograms which is equal to 176 pounds. With age, he has maintained a strong physique, reflecting the discipline and resilience he carried throughout his law enforcement career.
Conclusion
In Conclusion, Joe Kenda’s career as a detective and his contributions to solving homicide cases have left a lasting impact on law enforcement.
His work on the television series Homicide Hunter further solidified his fame and influence. With a remarkable track record and dedication to justice, Kenda continues to inspire both in and outside of the law enforcement community.
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