Husband of missing Flagstaff woman confesses to murder, evidence tampering, prosecutor says

Prosecutors in Coconino County say the husband of a Flagstaff woman whose body was recovered Friday confessed to killing her and hiding her body.

Police located 45-year-old Kelly Paduchowski's body at about 10 a.m. Friday, but declined to specify where her body was found or who discovered it, citing an active investigation.

In a news conference Friday afternoon, Coconino County Attorney Michael Tunink said the victim's husband agreed to plead guilty to second-degree murder, evidence tampering, attempting to hide a dead body, and possession of controlled substances.

Flagstaff officers arrested the victim's husband, Daniel Paduchowski, on Tuesday after authorities talked with family and witnesses and after processing evidence, police said.

The arrest came after Kelly Paduchowski's cellphone data placed the device in the Schultz Creek Trail area about 10:20 a.m. Sunday, police said, while Daniel Paduchowski was observed in the same area about 11:30 a.m.

At approximately 12:13 p.m., the device was back at the couple's Coconino Estates home, police said. Kelly Paduchowski's white Mazda CX-5 and Daniel Paduchowski were seen about 1:30 p.m. at Campbell Mesa Trail Head, police said.

Tunink said Paduchowski was cooperative with questioning and led police to Kelly's body, cell phone, keys, and the weapon allegedly used to kill her.

Tunink said the agreement made with the suspect would require him to serve the entirety of a 16-year sentence, the maximum sentence for second-degree murder, the attorney said.

Police said Paduchowski gave false testimony and tried to mislead the investigation as they searched for his wife's body.

Drones, mountain bike patrols, search dogs, and over 60 volunteer search teams were used in an attempt to locate Kelly, police said.

Eyewitnesses, many of whom were neighbors of Kelly, helped provide tips and testimony that proved critical in questioning Daniel Paduchowski, police said.

The victim's family was not represented at the press conference, but police across the board offered condolences for loss of the mother. The news conference also featured Flagstaff Police Department Chief Sean Connolly, who praised the family's "strength and their resolve in handling this incredibly tragic situation."

Connolly noted that the discovery of Kelly's body was tragic news for a community gripped with her disappearance.

"This has been on everybody's mind," said Connolly.

Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett offered her condolences to Kelly's family, noting the community taking action to help find their fellow neighbor.

Flagstaff police Sgt. Jerry Rintala said the victim's family had been notified and asked for their privacy.

Republic reporter Jose R. Gonzalez contributed to this article.