Less than a week after an Arizona man reported his wife missing, which prompted a widespread search turning into a criminal inquiry, he confessed to killing her and entered a guilty plea for murder, authorities announced Friday.
Daniel Paduchowski, as part of an agreement with Coconino County prosecutors, admitted guilt on Friday to second-degree murder in the death of his 45-year-old wife, Kelly. He also pleaded guilty to tampering with evidence, hiding a deceased body, and possessing dangerous drugs, according to a copy of the plea deal.
The agreement, finalized earlier on Friday before the Flagstaff Police Department’s press conference in the afternoon, brings a remarkably swift conclusion to a homicide case that had unfolded just days earlier and could have otherwise dragged on for years through the legal system.
During the press conference, Flagstaff Police Chief Sean Connolly highlighted the community’s involvement in the case, noting it had been only six days since Kelly Paduchowski was reported missing.
“I have been at the barber, at the dry cleaners, in restaurants and businesses, and everyone has been talking about this,” he said. “When communities are engaged at this level, these are the outcomes you see.”
Authorities did not disclose any details about what led to the killing, and the plea agreement did not mention any possible motives.
Paduchowski’s lawyer did not immediately respond to requests for comment via email and phone.
Michael Tunink, a senior attorney at the Coconino County attorney’s office, stated that Daniel Paduchowski, aged 58, is anticipated to receive a 16-year prison term without the option of parole for the murder charge. His sentencing is set for September 10.
Police stated that Paduchowski had called Flagstaff police on Sunday evening, reporting that his wife had not returned home after going for a run and a swim at Lake Mary, southeast of Flagstaff. After discovering Kelly Paduchowski’s car on the opposite side of town, investigators quickly grew suspicious of Daniel Paduchowski’s involvement in his wife’s disappearance.
