FLAGSTAFF, Arizona. Less than a week after an Arizona man reported his wife missing, launching an extensive search that quickly turned into a criminal investigation, he admitted to killing her and pleaded guilty to murder, authorities announced 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 settlement — reached Friday, before the Flagstaff Police Department held an afternoon news conference — marks a surprising and swift resolution to a homicide case that was opened just days earlier and that could have stretched on for years as it progressed. in the legal system. .
At the news conference, Flagstaff Police Chief Sean Connolly emphasized that it had only been six days since authorities were alerted to Kelly Paduchowski’s disappearance.
“I was at the barbershop. I was in the laundry room. I’ve been to restaurants and businesses and it’s on everyone’s mind,” he said. “When communities are not indifferent and are involved at this level, these are the results that are obtained.”
Michael Tunink, senior attorney with the Coconino County prosecutor’s office, said Daniel Paduchowski, 58, is expected to be sentenced to 16 years without the possibility of parole on the murder charge. His sentencing is scheduled for September 10.
Paduchowski’s attorney did not immediately respond to emails and phone messages seeking comment.
Authorities said Paduchowski called Flagstaff police Sunday night, saying his wife never returned after going for a run and swimming in Lake Mary, southeast of Flagstaff.
Police said they quickly began to suspect that Daniel Paduchowski was involved in his wife’s disappearance after the woman’s relatives found her car on the opposite side of town, nearly three hours away.
By Monday morning, police said, the missing persons case had turned into a homicide investigation. The Flagstaff Police Department announced the arrest of Daniel Paduchowski the next day.
As part of the deal with prosecutors, Daniel Paduchowski provided authorities with information about his wife’s remains and other evidence, including her cellphone, car keys and gun, Tunink said.
Flagstaff police said they found Kelly Paduchowski’s remains Friday morning but did not release the location, citing active “recovery efforts.”
Authorities said the search for Kelly Paduchowski was extensive, including local and federal agencies, nearly 50 search and rescue members who searched on foot, by helicopter and on mountain bikes, as well as search dogs and drones. About 60 people from the community also volunteered for the search effort, police said.
Connolly, Flagstaff police chief, said Friday that authorities have been in constant contact with the victim’s relatives, including her children.
“From the moment I sat in the living room with Kelly’s family,” he said, “I can’t tell you how impressed I was by their strength and determination in dealing with this incredibly tragic situation.”
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Yamat reported from Las Vegas.
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