FLAGSTAFF, Arizona — Less than a week after an Arizona man reported his wife missing, sparking a massive search that quickly turned into a criminal investigation, he has admitted to killing her and pleaded guilty to murder, authorities said Friday.
As part of a deal with Coconino County prosecutors, Daniel Paduchowski pleaded guilty Friday to second-degree murder in the death of his 45-year-old wife, Kelly. He also pleaded guilty to tampering with physical evidence, concealing a corpse and possession of dangerous drugs, according to a copy of the plea agreement.
The agreement, reached earlier Friday before the Flagstaff Police Department held an afternoon news conference, marks a stunning and swift resolution to a homicide case that was opened just days earlier and might otherwise have dragged on for years as it wound its way through the court system.
At the press conference, Flagstaff Police Chief Sean Connolly noted that it had only been six days since authorities were alerted to Kelly Paduchowski’s disappearance.
“I’ve been to the hairdresser, the dry cleaner, restaurants and businesses, and everyone has thought about this,” he said. “When communities are not indifferent and get involved at this level, these are the results you get.”
Authorities have not provided any details about what might have led to the killing, and the plea agreement did not include any information indicating a possible motive.
Paduchowski’s attorney did not immediately respond to emails and phone messages seeking comment.
Michael Tunink, senior attorney for the Coconino County District Attorney’s Office, said Daniel Paduchowski, 58, should be sentenced to 16 years in prison without parole for murder. His sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 10.
Authorities said Paduchowski called Flagstaff police Sunday night, saying his wife never returned after going for a run and swim at Lake Mary, southeast of Flagstaff.
Police said they quickly began to suspect Daniel Paduchowski was involved in his wife’s disappearance after the woman’s relatives found her car on the other side of town.
On Monday morning, police announced that the missing person case had been upgraded to a homicide investigation. The Flagstaff Police Department announced Daniel Paduchowski’s arrest the following day.
As part of his deal with prosecutors, Daniel Paduchowski provided authorities with information about his wife’s remains and other evidence, including her cellphone, car keys and a gun allegedly used to kill her, Tunink said.
Flagstaff police said they found Kelly Paduchowski’s remains Friday morning, but did not disclose the location, citing active “recovery efforts.”
Authorities said the search for Kelly Paduchowski was extensive, involving local and federal agencies, nearly 50 search and rescue personnel who searched on foot, by helicopter and ATV, as well as search dogs and drones. About 60 people from the community also volunteered to help with the search, police said.
Connolly, the Flagstaff police chief, said Friday that authorities were in constant contact with the victim’s relatives, including his children.
“From the moment I sat in the living room with Kelly’s family, I can’t tell you how impressed I was with their strength and determination to navigate this incredibly tragic situation,” he said.
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Yamat reported from Las Vegas.
News Source : abcnews.go.com
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