Arizona man pleads guilty to murdering his wife, less than a week after reporting her missing

FLAGSTAFF, Arizona (AP) — Less than a week after a woman was reported missing in Arizona by her husband, sparking an extensive search that quickly turned into a murder investigation, the husband admitted to killing her and pleaded guilty to murder, authorities said Friday.

As part of a plea agreement with Coconino County prosecutors, Daniel Paduchowski pleaded guilty Friday to first-degree murder in the death of his 45-year-old wife, Kelly. He also pleaded guilty to tampering with evidence, concealing a corpse and possession of dangerous drugs, according to a copy of the agreement.

The agreement – reached Friday morning before a Flagstaff Police Department press conference – represents a surprising and quick resolution to a murder case that had only been opened a few days earlier and whose journey through the justice system could otherwise have taken years.

At the press conference, Flagstaff Police Chief Sean Connolly emphasized that authorities had only been informed of Kelly Paduchowski’s disappearance six days earlier.

“I’ve been to the hairdresser. I’ve been to the dry cleaners. I’ve been to restaurants and stores, and this has been on everyone’s lips,” he said. “When communities are not indifferent and engage at this level, these are the results you get.”

Michael Tunink, a lead attorney for the Coconino County District Attorney’s Office, said Daniel Paduchowski, 58, is expected to be sentenced to 16 years in prison without the possibility of parole on the murder charges. His sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 10.

Paduchowski’s attorney did not immediately respond to emails and phone messages seeking comment.

According to authorities, Paduchowski called Flagstaff police on Sunday evening and reported that his wife had not returned after leaving for Lake Mary, southeast of Flagstaff, to go running and swimming.

Police said they quickly became suspicious that Daniel Paduchowski was involved in his wife’s disappearance after the woman’s relatives found her car across town, nearly a three-hour drive away.

On Monday morning, police said, the missing person case became a murder investigation. The next day, Flagstaff police announced the arrest of Daniel Paduchowski.

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 gun, Tunink said.

Flagstaff police said they found Kelly Paduchowski’s remains Friday morning, but did not disclose the location, citing ongoing “recovery efforts.”

Authorities said the search for Kelly Paduchowski was extensive, involving local and federal agencies, nearly 50 search and rescue personnel on foot, by helicopter and mountain bike, as well as search dogs and drones. About 60 people from the community also volunteered for the search, police said.

Connolly, the Flagstaff police chief, said Friday that authorities were in constant contact with the victim’s relatives, including her children.

“From the moment I sat in the living room with Kelly’s family, I cannot tell you how impressed I have been with their strength and determination in dealing with this incredibly tragic situation,” he said.

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Yamat reported from Las Vegas.