FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (KTVK/KPHO/Gray News) - Police say an Arizona woman reported missing last weekend was killed by her husband, who admitted to the crime as part of a plea deal.
Michael Tunink, senior attorney for the Coconino County Attorney’s Office, announced that 58-year-old Daniel Paduchowski agreed to a plea deal Friday for charges connected to the death of his wife, 45-year-old Kelly Paduchowski, according to Arizona’s Family.
If approved by a judge, Daniel Paduchowski would plead guilty to second-degree murder, tampering with physical evidence, concealment of a dead body and possession of dangerous drugs.
Search crews recovered Kelly Paduchowski’s body around 10 a.m. Friday. The Flagstaff Police Department confirmed her husband led authorities to the location of her remains, cell phone, car keys and the murder weapon. Details surrounding where the remains were found weren’t immediately released.
Kelly Paduchowski vanished from her Flagstaff home last Sunday. As Arizona’s Family previously reported, Daniel Paduchowski reported her missing that night, saying she had left earlier in the day to go for a run and a swim.
After police and the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office began searching for the 45-year-old, her husband was arrested for aggravated assault.
Court documents related to his arrest detail how neighbors reportedly heard a scream and saw Kelly Paduchowski lying face down in the yard, with her husband on top of her. Documents described that neighbors later saw Daniel Paduchowski spraying down the same area with a hose.
Investigators also found fresh blood at the couple’s home.
The full timeline of events shows cell phone data that places Kelly Paduchowski’s phone at Shultz Creek Trail around 10:20 a.m. that Sunday. Because of that, searchers focused their efforts on the forest around Snowbowl on Wednesday.
“Since the moment I sat in the living room with Kelly’s family, I cannot tell you how impressed I’ve been with their strength and their resolve in handling this incredibly tragic situation,” said Flagstaff Police Chief Sean Connolly. “So, on behalf of all of us, we just want to pause for one second and make sure we recognize this incredible family and this incredible woman and her children and how strong they have been through this entire process.”
Kelly Paduchowski’s family sent Arizona’s Family a statement that reads in part: “We feel a sense of resolve. We are immensely grateful to the law enforcement teams who have been working closely with us. The city of Flagstaff has been wonderful.”
Prosecutors say Daniel Paduchowski’s plea deal requires him to serve 16 years in prison, which is the presumptive sentence for second-degree murder in Arizona. He is not eligible for early release.