An Arizona man named Daniel Paduchowski, who reported his wife missing last week, has admitted to killing her and has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. The Flagstaff Police Department revealed in a press conference that Daniel had tried to mislead the police by claiming his wife, Kelly, never returned from a run and a swim. However, after a nearly week-long search, Kelly’s remains were discovered on Friday morning.
Daniel Paduchowski has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, tampering with evidence, concealment of a dead body, and possession of dangerous drugs. According to Michael Tunink, a senior criminal attorney at the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, Daniel has agreed to serve a 16-year sentence in the Arizona Department of Corrections, which is the standard punishment for second-degree murder in Arizona. He will not be eligible for early release of any kind.
As part of the plea deal, Daniel provided information that led investigators to Kelly’s body, as well as her phone, keys, and the murder weapon. Cellphone data from Kelly’s phone on the day she went missing was traced back to the Schultz Creek Trailhead, where Daniel was also seen on the same day. Family members and witnesses were interviewed during the investigation, and evidence from their home indicated that Daniel had assaulted her.
Michael Tunink expressed his condolences to Kelly’s family and loved ones, acknowledging the tragic nature of the situation. He mentioned that the authorities had maintained close communication with Kelly’s family throughout the process to bring closure to this disturbing chapter that has deeply affected the community. The resolution of this case aims to provide a sense of finality to the heartbreaking loss of Kelly Paduchowski.
