FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — The husband of a Flagstaff woman who disappeared this past summer and was later found dead has been sentenced to 16 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to killing her.
Appearing in court handcuffed and dressed in a jail jumpsuit, Daniel Paduchowski repeatedly apologized and dabbed his eyes with a tissue before Judge Joshua Steinlage sentenced him on Tuesday.
"I cry for the loss of Kelly everyday," the defendant said.
Daniel initially told police his wife, Kelly Paduchowski, had left home to go on a run and failed to return. A day after Daniel reported Kelly missing, Flagstaff police arrested the husband.
Daniel later admitted to killing Kelly and told investigators where to find her body, officials said.
Prosecutors quickly reached an agreement with the defendant that would involve him serving a 16-year sentence for Kelly's murder.
Kelly's family called Daniel a "horrible person" who is skilled at manipulating others. The victim's family said Kelly had been wanting to divorce Daniel for many years and the defendant reacted to her decision by ending her life.
"Daniel deserves to spend the rest of his life in prison though we will have to settle for his 16-year sentence," one family member told the court.
An emotional Paduchowski told the judge he was not violent person and that Kelly's death was the result of a "moment of weakness."
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