Arizona Man Receives Life Sentence for Murder of Wife Buried Alive

David Pagniano, a 62-year-old Arizona resident, has received a life sentence without the possibility of parole for the gruesome murder of his wife in 2017. Sandra Pagniano, aged 39, met a horrifying fate as she was buried alive in a hand-dug grave near their home while their children slept.

After seven years, David Pagniano opted to plead guilty, foregoing a trial and allowing the judge to determine his sentence independently. Along with the life sentence, Pagniano also faces a 16 ½-year prison term for charges including kidnapping, forgery, and fraud, as confirmed by the Yavapai County Attorney’s Office.

County Attorney Dennis McGrane condemned the severity of the crime, shedding light on the horrifying circumstances of Sandra Pagniano’s abduction and murder. Sandra was kidnapped from her home, restrained with packing tape, transported to a remote location, and buried alive while she was still conscious, struggling for up to five minutes after being buried.

The tragic incident unfolded in May 2017 amidst divorce proceedings between Sandra and David. Despite their separation, they continued to reside together with their two young daughters.

Sandra’s body was later discovered bound and gagged in packing tape inside a grave in a rural area north of Prescott. The county medical examiner confirmed the horrifying manner of her death.

Investigations uncovered damning evidence against David Pagniano, including cellphone records placing him near the gravesite before and during the kidnapping. Furthermore, notes purportedly written by Sandra, expressing her intention to leave her husband and relinquish assets, were found to have been forged by David.

Following the discovery of Sandra’s body, David Pagniano was indicted on a charge of first-degree murder. McGrane expressed hope that the life sentence would offer some solace to the victim’s family.