Less than a week after her spouse reported her missing, sparking an extensive search that rapidly turned into a homicide investigation, the husband admitted to killing her and pleaded guilty to murder, authorities stated Friday.
Daniel Paduchowski pled guilty to second-degree murder in the death of his 45-year-old wife, Kelly, as part of a bargain with Coconino County prosecutors on Friday. He also admitted to tampering with physical evidence, concealing a dead body, and possessing dangerous substances, according to a copy of the plea deal.
The agreement, struck earlier Friday before the Flagstaff Police Department’s afternoon news conference, marked a startling and quick resolution to a homicide investigation that had only been opened a few days before and could have taken years to resolve if it had gone through the judicial system.
At the news conference, Flagstaff Police Chief Sean Connolly underlined that Kelly Paduchowski’s disappearance had only been reported six days prior.
“I was in the barbershop. I’ve been to the dry cleaner. “I’ve visited restaurants and businesses, and this has been on everyone’s mind,” he said. “When communities are not indifferent, and they are engaged at this level, these are the outcomes that you have.”
Authorities did not disclose any information regarding what may have caused the homicide, nor did the plea agreement include evidence indicating a probable motivation.
Paduchowski’s attorney did not immediately respond to email and phone inquiries requesting comment.
According to Michael Tunink, a senior attorney with the Coconino County Attorney’s Office, Daniel Paduchowski, 58, is expected to be sentenced to 16 years in prison without the possibility of parole on the murder charge. His sentence is slated for September 10.
Paduchowski reported to Flagstaff police on Sunday night that his wife had not returned after leaving to go for a run and swim at Lake Mary, southeast of Flagstaff.
Police stated they instantly suspected Daniel Paduchowski was involved in his wife’s abduction after her relatives discovered her automobile on the other side of town.
By Monday morning, police claimed the missing people inquiry had evolved into a homicide probe. The Flagstaff Police Department announced Daniel Paduchowski’s arrest the next day.
According to Tunink, as part of his plea agreement, Daniel Paduchowski provided investigators with information regarding his wife’s remains as well as other evidence, such as her smartphone, car keys, and a weapon allegedly used to kill her.
Flagstaff police claimed they discovered Kelly Paduchowski’s remains on Friday morning but did not reveal their location, citing ongoing “recovery efforts.”
Authorities claimed the search for Kelly Paduchowski was extensive, involving local and federal agencies, approximately 50 search and rescue personnel who searched on foot, helicopters, and mountain bikes, as well as dogs and drones. According to police, over 60 people from the neighborhood volunteered for the search operation.
Connolly, Flagstaff police chief, said Friday that authorities had been in frequent contact with the victim’s family, including her children as per USNEWS.
“Since 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 their resolve in handling this incredibly tragic situation,” he told me.