Joseph Patrick Kenda, better known as Joe Kenda, is a retired detective lieutenant who made a significant mark in the crime investigation world. In his 23 years of career, Kenda served with the Colorado Springs Police Department and solved 356 of 387 cases.
Due to his dedication towards his work, Kenda was featured on Homicide Hunter, a popular show on the Investigation Discovery network. It was through this show that he became popular among the general public. If you are curious to find out more about his career and success story, you should give this post a read.
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Early Life
Joe Kenda was born on 14th November 1946, in Herminie, Pennsylvania, where he spent his early years. With his family roots tracing back to Cezsoca, his paternal grandparents immigrated to the U.S. in 1913. Kenda’s father, William worked as an intelligence officer in the army during World War II, while his mother, Virginia Morrissey was a homemaker.
In 1964, Kenda completed his graduation from Greensburg Central Catholic High School. Later, he enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh, where he studied political science. To further his education, he joined Ohio State University and completed his master’s in international relations in 1970.
Beginning Of Career
Joe Kenda’s professional journey began in 1973 after he joined the Colorado Springs Police Department. Initially, he started working as a patrol officer. Later, he was promoted to higher ranks because of his dedication to his work.
Kenda was transferred to the homicide division in 1977, where he worked on complex cases and showcased his skills in solving them. Over the years, he worked on various cases, including gang-related murders, crimes of passion, and more.
Shot To Fame
Kenda shot to fame after retiring from the police force. His life took an unexpected turn in 2008 when he was approached by a television producer named Patrick Bryant for a true-crime series based on his career. In 2011, Homicide Hunter: Lt. Joe Kenda premiered on Investigation Discovery, which presented Kenda to a global audience.
The show featured the cases that Kenda worked on. Needless to say, audiences were captivated by his narration and how he solved even the most complex cases.
Relationship
As far as his personal life is concerned, Joe Kenda married his high school sweetheart, Mary Kathleen Mohler in 1967. The couple met during their school days and since then they have been beside each other. Together, they have built a happy life, where they share two children. The names of their kids are Dan and Kris.
Major Source of Income and Net Worth
As of 2025, Joe Kenda’s net worth is estimated to be around $3 million. He has spent 23 years working as a detective lieutenant, which helped build a massive wealth. Besides that, he generated a solid amount through his show Homicide Hunter, where he narrated the cases, he worked on. Kenda also authored a few books, including I Will Find You: Solving Killer Cases from My Life-Fighting Crime, which further added to his financial success.
