In Mexico, Peter Chadwick, who was wanted by U.S. authorities for the murder of his wife Q.C. went by a few aliases, including Paul Cook.
Correspondent Bob Woodruff and ABC News producers traveled to Mexico to interview people who provided ABC News with previously unreported details and documents.
A special episode of “20/20” airing Friday, Oct. 21, at 9 p.m. ET examines Peter Chadwick’s life on the run in Mexico and the efforts made by law enforcement to find him.
After fleeing the United States, where Peter had been charged with his wife’s murder in their Newport Beach, California, home in 2012, he hopped from town to town before landing in Pátzcuaro, 4 hours west of Mexico City. In nearly two years, he bought a condo and found work there.
Chadwick told people in Mexico that his family died in Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, which disappeared in 2014.
Peter Chadwick was described
Peter, aka Paul, was described as having a mysterious quality by Rick Davis, who knew him.
During the “20/20” interview, Davis claimed that Chadwick never was completely honest with him. When speaking with him “he wouldn’t look at you,” Davis said.
Details about Chadwick’s close friendship with a local woman named Claudia Soto while he was in Pátzcuaro were revealed to ABC News.
While returning from a concert in a nearby town in May 2016, Peter, Claudia, and her sister Adriana Segovia were all involved in a car accident that claimed the life of Claudia and left Adriana in a coma for 15 days.
The Soto family claims they were summoned to the district attorney’s office to sign a legal document relieving Paul Cook of all responsibility while Peter and Adriana were being transported to separate hospitals.
Esperanza Segovia, Claudia’s mother, told ABC News, “I didn’t say anything about anything that that paper has. “That whole paper is lies.”
Peter Chadwick Investigation-
The document is a part of their investigation, the transparency division of the Michoacan Attorney General’s office told ABC News.
Chadwick left Pátzcuaro after the incident and relocated to Valle de Bravo, where he claimed to work as a dishwasher in a café and give English lessons to earn a living.
When he saw himself on a TV investigative report, he made the decision to run away once more, making his way to Cholula.
According to José Islas Cruz of the Mexican federal police, “Peter’s life was closed in.” He wasn’t a frequent walker. He was very scared of being recognized.”
Chadwick was located thanks to cooperation between Mexican and US authorities. A call he made from a pay phone helped them track him down, and they apprehended him in August 2019. Chadwick later stated during a police debriefing that he intended to leave Cholula the following morning.
Chadwick former neighbors in Newport Beach were telling others about the news.
Heidi Pascal, a neighbor, told ABC News’ Bob Woodruff that “we are just inundated with text messages.” “Have you heard, everyone? You heard that?” For once, thank God. It’s a good thing he was caught. We praise God that they finally located him. And they’ll bring him to justice.”
Adriana Segovia, the car accident survivor, said her response to the news was “God exists.” “God is just,” she said.
On the phone with his eldest son, Ben, after his arrest, Peter Chadwick expressed remorse. “I’m so sorry for all this messing up your life,” he said over the phone. “And what happened to Mom, obviously. And everything. So sorry again. I screwed up.”
Chadwick entered a plea of guilty to second-degree murder in court in February 2022 and received a sentence of 15 years to life in prison.
Chadwick will have to serve “12 years minimum in California State Prison before he’s eligible for parole,” according to Matt Murphy, a former Orange County prosecutor and contributor to ABC News.
When that hearing takes place, the “family in Mexico should have a voice,” according to Matt Murphy.
CAPTURED
After almost five years, everything changed pretty much overnight. “48 Hours” was informed of a brand-new dramatic development in the Peter Chadwick investigation late on August 4, 2019, by the evening.
Authorities had their man in handcuffs and shackles, and Newport Beach Police Chief Jon Lewis made the following official statement:
NEWPORT BEACH POLICE CHIEF JON LEWIS (to reporters): Following the receipt of countless tips from around the globe, one of them led to our suspect.
The chief declined to elaborate on what that tip was. South of Mexico City, close to the town of Puebla, Chadwick was apprehended by federal police from Mexico.
When Chadwick arrived at the Los Angeles airport, U.S. Marshal Craig McCluskey placed him in handcuffs.
How are the boys doing, in your opinion?
They are incredibly resilient and well supported by Q.C.’s family, says Karen Thorp. They are surrounded by and are the recipients of a lot of love. They really have – they have thrived despite this tragedy.
And that is an appropriate tribute to a loving mother whose life was tragically cut short.
We lost a mother in Quebec City who loved life and vibrancy, deeply cared for her children, and wanted to give them everything she had. Art Scott is a music teacher.
Peter Chadwick confessed to killing his wife in February 2022 in exchange for a 15-years-to-life prison term.
CHIEF JON LEWIS (to the media): Our investigation reveals Peter Chadwick had no intention of leaving for Mexico in the first place. He had no plans to return to Orange County to stand trial or care for his three abandoned sons. Regarding the boys, we want to express our sympathy to them and ask that everyone respects their right to privacy during this incredibly trying time.
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