Arizona Man Sentenced to Life for Burying Wife Alive

David Pagniano receives life without parole for the 2017 murder of his estranged wife, Sandra, in a case marked by forged documents and a contentious divorce.

Sandra Pagniano, 39, was bound and buried alive in a shallow grave near Prescott, Arizona.
David Pagniano, 62, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder just before his trial was set to begin.
He also received an additional 16.5-year sentence for kidnapping, forgery, and fraud.
Forensic analysis revealed Sandra's struggle and consciousness for up to five minutes after being buried.
Prosecutors sought the death penalty due to the brutal nature of the crime.