Children slept as mother fought for life in shallow grave

A Prescott, Arizona man was handed down a life sentence without parole for the brutal 2017 killing of his wife, whom prosecutors claim fought violently after being buried alive in a crudely dug grave about 10 miles from their home as their two daughters slumbered. 

At 62-years-old, David Pagniano opted to plead guilty before his trial commenced, permitting the judge to determine his punishment without a plea bargain. On May 9, Pagniano received an additional 16½ year prison term for kidnapping, forgery, and fraud charges, as stated by the Yavapai County Attorney's Office.

"Sandra was abducted from her residence while her children were asleep nearby, restrained with packing tape, transported to a secluded area, and buried alive," County Attorney Dennis McGrane recounted. "Evidence shows she fiercely resisted while trapped in the grave, likely remaining conscious for up to five minutes after being interred."

39-year-old Sandra Pagniano vanished in May 2017, amid divorce proceedings with her husband. Her body, bound and gagged with packing tape, was eventually discovered in a grave north of Prescott. The medical examiner confirmed she had been buried alive.

Cellphone evidence placed David Pagniano at the gravesite before his wife went missing and the night of the kidnapping. Authorities also uncovered notes filed in the divorce case, purportedly from Sandra Pagniano giving her husband custody and possessions, which forensics revealed were forged by David Pagniano.

"I hope the life sentence brings some closure to the victim's family," McGrane stated. The county had pursued the death penalty due to "the horrific circumstances surrounding the abduction and murder."