Family and friends of Arizona mother Kelly Padukowski are speaking out after her husband admitted to killing her after a weeks-long search.
“Dear Friends, I haven’t been active on Facebook in years but I’m here to let those of you who knew my twin sister, Kelly Padukowski, when she was a child know about her passing and the huge impact it has had on me, my family and the entire city of Flagstaff,” posted Lindsay McFall, Kelly’s twin sister.
“To everyone who has sent me love and support: I feel it, I need it and I truly appreciate it. Thank you.”
According to the GoFundMe page, Kelly leaves behind two young children, ages 7 and 9.
Arizona woman’s husband confesses to murder days after disappearance
Daniel Padukowski reported his wife, Kelly, missing in the Flagstaff area last week, but confessed to police days later and pleaded guilty to her murder, authorities said Friday. (Lindsay McFall via Facebook)
According to the donation page, the money will go towards childcare and education expenses for her children.
“The community comes together to thank everyone who was involved in the search for Kelly when she was thought to be missing and to all those who have shown and expressed their support and love for her and her family,” the post continued.
Kelly’s husband, Daniel Padukowski, 58, told police that his wife, 45, had not returned home from a run and swim trip on June 30. The Flagstaff Police Department said in a press conference Friday that this was an “attempt to misuse police resources.”
He was arrested Monday on suspicion of aggravated assault, and his wife’s body was discovered Friday morning after a nearly week-long search.
Missing Arizona woman’s body found days after husband’s arrest
Daniel Padukowski confessed to police in Flagstaff, Arizona, to murdering his wife, Kelly, who leaves behind two young children. (GoFundMe/Kelly Padukowski)
“Daniel Padukowski pleaded guilty Second-degree murder“The charges are tampering with evidence, concealing a body and possession of dangerous drugs,” Michael Tunink, senior criminal attorney for the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, said Friday.
Tunnink said the plea agreement requires Padukowski to serve a 16-year prison sentence in Arizona, “which is the presumptive sentence for second-degree murder under Arizona law,” adding that he will not be eligible for early release “of any kind.”
“As part of the agreement, the defendant provided information that led to the deceased victim, Kelly Padukowski,” Tunnink said, including her cell phone, keys and the murder weapon.
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Daniel and Kelly Padukowski (Coconino County Sheriff’s Office/Flagstaff Police Department)
Kelly’s friends and former colleagues took to social media to express shock at her violent death.
“The last time I had a meaningful conversation with Kelly was a week ago on Thursday. I offered to buy her some homemade laundry detergent to try. It’s still in my car,” posted Robin Cook, Kelly’s friend and coworker.
“I knew Kelly from Sambatuque and her solar power company. I live on the south end of the same street… Many people in town are concerned for you (Lindsay McFall) and her children and entire family. This is a trauma for the community,” wrote Bonnie Feather, a neighbor of Kelly and Daniel.
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“This is obviously a great tragedy for Ms. Kelly’s family and her loved ones,” Tunnink said at a press conference Friday. “We have been in close contact with Ms. Kelly’s family throughout this process regarding this resolution, which we have pursued to bring closure to a situation that has weighed heavily on this community.”
The Coconino County District Attorney’s Office told Fox News Digital that no further information is available at this time due to the ongoing investigation.
Fox News Digital’s Bree Stimson contributed to this report.
