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Remains Of Missing Flagstaff Woman Found Friday, Her Husband Pleads Guilty To Second-Degree Murder – KAFF News – Flagstaff

The search for a missing Flagstaff woman ended after her husband accepted a plea deal with charges including second-degree murder. According to Flagstaff police, the body of 45-year-old Kelly Padukowski was found around 10 a.m. Friday. Coconino County Chief Prosecutor Michael Tunnink said 58-year-old Daniel Padukowski pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, tampering with physical evidence, concealing a body and possession of dangerous drugs. Padukowski will spend 16 years in prison without the possibility of parole. Tunnink said the agreement led investigators to his wife, Kelly's body, her cell phone, her car keys and the murder weapon. Authorities have not disclosed where her body was found. During the investigation, police said Kelly's cell phone indicated she was near Schultz Creek Trail around 10:20 a.m. last Sunday. Daniel was seen in the same area around 11:30 a.m. Kelly's cell phone was returned to an apartment complex in the Coconino Estates area at approximately 12:13 p.m. Her white Mazda CX-5 and Daniel were spotted at the Campbell Mesa Trailhead at approximately 1:30 p.m. Daniel reported Kelly missing at 7:39 p.m., possibly in the Lake Mary area. During the search, investigators interviewed family members and witnesses, and after processing the evidence, Daniel was arrested on suspicion of aggravated assault and possession of dangerous drugs. According to reports, a neighbor heard an argument between Daniel and Kelly, then saw Kelly lying face-down and motionless with Daniel on top of her. During that time, no one called 911, according to police. Flagstaff Police said the community played a key role in the search for Kelly and expressed their gratitude to everyone who helped find her.

To watch the full video of the press conference, click here:

To read the plea agreement, click here:

Below is a statement read from the Coconino County Prosecutor's Office at a press conference on Friday:

“Today, defendant Daniel Padukowski
second-degree murder, tampering with physical evidence, concealing a body;
Possession of dangerous drugs. Under the agreement, the defendant faces a prison sentence of 16 years.
This is the presumptive sentence for second-degree murder under Arizona law.
For every day served on this sentence, he will not be eligible for early release of any kind. As part of this agreement,
The defendant provided information about the cell phone and vehicle of the deceased victim, Kelly Padukowski.
The defendant was found to have a key to the apartment and the murder weapon. The defendant was further interviewed, which concluded this afternoon.
In that interview, he answered all questions about the events and his actions on June 30th.
The agreement is between Coconino County Search and Rescue and
the Flagstaff Police Department and the Coconino County Attorney's Office.
This resolution was made possible thanks to the investigative work of the Flagstaff Police Department, which is obviously monumental.
This is a tragedy for Kelly's family and loved ones. We have been in close contact with Kelly's family.
This resolution is what we pursued to bring closure to a situation that has weighed so heavily on our community.”