After reporting his wife missing, an Arizona man has pleaded guilty to her murder.
Daniel Paduchowski, 58, reported his wife Kelly, 45, missing on June 30, claiming she never returned from a run and a swim. However, days later, he confessed to police and led them to her remains.
Arizona Man Pleads Guilty to Wife's Murder After Reporting Her Missing
Kelly's body was found on Friday morning after a nearly week-long search effort. Paduchowski has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, tampering with evidence, concealment of a dead body, and possession of dangerous drugs.
He was arrested on Monday for aggravated assault, and his plea deal requires him to serve a 16-year prison term in Arizona, with no possibility of early release.
Arizona Man Pleads Guilty to Wife's Murder After Reporting Her Missing
According to Coconino County Sheriff's Office Senior Criminal Attorney Michael Tunink, Paduchowski provided information that led police to Kelly's phone, keys, and the murder weapon as part of the plea agreement.
Kelly's family and friends are shocked and devastated by her death. Her twin sister, Lindsey McFall, wrote on Facebook: "Dear Friends, I've not been active on Facebook for many years, but I'm here now so that people who knew my twin sister Kelly Paduchowski when she was young may know of her passing and the profound effect it has had on me and our family. And the whole city of Flagstaff."
Arizona Man Pleads Guilty to Wife's Murder After Reporting Her Missing
A GoFundMe page has been set up to support Kelly's two young children, ages 7 and 9. The funds will go towards their child care costs and education expenses.
"The community has come together, and we want to thank everyone who was involved in searching for Kelly when she was assumed missing and all who have shown and expressed their support and love for Kelly and her family," the post reads.
Arizona Man Pleads Guilty to Wife's Murder After Reporting Her Missing
Friends and former colleagues of Kelly have expressed their shock and grief on social media.
Robin Cook, a friend and colleague, wrote: "My last meaningful conversation with Kelly was a week ago, Thursday. I told her I'd bring her my homemade laundry detergent for her to try. It's still in my car."
"I knew Kelly from Sambatuque and her solar company. I live on the southern end of the same street…So many people in town are concerned about you (Lindsay McFall), her kids, and all of the family. It's been a community trauma," said Bonnie Feather, a neighbor of Kelly and Daniel.
The Coconino County District Attorney's Office said that no further information is available at this time as the investigation is ongoing.
