FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Authorities confirm they have found the body of 45-year-old Kelly Padukowski, who was reported missing Sunday from the Flagstaff area. Her husband, Daniel Padukowski, has been arrested on a second-degree murder charge.
Daniel initially told authorities that Kelly had left their West Flagstaff home around 1:30 p.m. Sunday to go running and swimming at Lake Mary. Later that evening, Daniel called police to report that his wife had not returned.
During the investigation and after interviewing witnesses, Daniel was arrested Monday on suspicion of aggravated assault.
On Friday, after days of searching the Flagstaff area, police said Kelly's body was discovered around 10 a.m.
Authorities say the location of her body will not be released at this time due to the ongoing investigation.
VIDEO: Flagstaff police provide update on Padukowski case in the video below
As a result of the investigation, the Coconino County Prosecutor's Office reached an agreement with Daniel in which he pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, evidence tampering, concealing a body and drug offenses.
According to the county attorney, these charges carry a sentence of 16 years in prison without the possibility of parole.
As part of the agreement, authorities said Daniel provided the location of Kelly's body, his cell phone, his car keys and the murder weapon.
The investigation was conducted by the Coconino County Sheriff's Office, Flagstaff Police Department and the Coconino County Prosecutor's Office.
Flagstaff Police Department
According to court documents, Kelly's husband, Daniel, reported her missing just after 7:30 p.m. after he had not heard from her or returned home.
During the investigation, Daniel told authorities that his wife had gone to Lake Mary for a run and swim and that he last saw her around 1:30 p.m.
Watch ABC15's previous reporting on Kelly's disappearance in the player above.
Her vehicle was found at the Campbell Mesa Trailhead in east Flagstaff, and cell phone data showed Kelly's phone traveled in a nearly straight line from her home to the Campbell Mesa Trailhead.
On Monday, authorities arrested Daniel on suspicion of aggravated assault after a neighbor reported seeing Kelly face-down and motionless with Daniel on top of her. No 911 call was made before Daniel reported Kelly missing.
Husband arrested during search for missing Flagstaff woman
a GoFundMe The account was created to support Kelly's two children, aged 7 and 9.
