Millionaire Fugitive Caught After Years on the Run
In October 2012, a horrific crime shook the affluent community of Newport Beach, California. Peter Chadwick, a wealthy real estate investor, was accused of murdering his wife, Quee Choo Lim Chadwick, known as "Q.C." What followed was a tale of deceit and escape that landed Chadwick in the U.S. Marshals Service's "15 Most Wanted" list. Join us as we uncover the harrowing details surrounding Chadwick's crimes, his life as a fugitive, and the coordinated efforts that ultimately led to his capture.
Murder in Newport Beach
Authorities discovered Q.C.'s body on Oct. 10, 2012 under gruesome circumstances, revealing a violent struggle that ended in her death. The murder left Chadwick's three sons — who were 8, 10 and 14 years old at the time — without a mother and the community in disbelief. The investigation quickly pointed to her husband, Peter Chadwick, as the primary suspect.
A Scapegoat Named Juan
Following the murder, Chadwick fabricated an elaborate story to cover his tracks. He claimed that a handyman named "Juan" had killed his wife and kidnapped him, forcing him to dispose of her body in Mexico. However, inconsistencies in his story quickly unraveled his lies. When authorities arrested him near the Mexico border, dried blood on his hands and scratches on his neck contradicted his story. A tip later led investigators to discover Q.C.'s body in a dumpster near San Diego.
The Life of a Fugitive
Chadwick was arrested and spent two months in jail before posting $1 million bail and being released. For two years, he made regular court appearances, but in January 2015, he vanished, leaving his family, friends, and everyone watching the case in shock. Chadwick had withdrawn $600,000 from his bank account and used various aliases to evade capture. He traveled through Mexico, living in towns such as Pátzcuaro, Valle de Bravo, and Cholula, often staying in luxurious hotels.
During his time as a fugitive, Chadwick assumed the alias Paul Cook and told people that his family had died in the Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 disaster. He formed a close relationship with a local woman, Claudia Soto, whose life ended tragically in a car accident in which Chadwick was involved. This accident left Claudia's sister, Adriana, in a coma for 15 days. Suspiciously, the Soto family was coerced into signing documents that absolved Chadwick of any responsibility for the accident.
Tracking Down Chadwick
In August 2019, after more than four years on the run, Chadwick was captured in a residential community of American expatriates near Puebla, Mexico. His arrest was the result of a coordinated effort between U.S. and Mexican authorities, and he was found with multiple fake IDs. His capture was significantly aided by a $100,000 reward and a podcast produced by the Newport Beach Police Department, which generated thousands of tips.
Facing Justice
Chadwick pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in February 2022 and began serving a 15-year-to-life sentence. His plea deal requires him to serve at least 85% of his sentence before he is eligible for a parole hearing, which means he will spend a minimum of 12 years in prison. In court, Chadwick expressed remorse for his actions, acknowledging the devastation he had caused his family and friends.
The story of Peter Chadwick is a sobering reminder of how quickly a seemingly stable life can descend into chaos and criminality. His fall from a wealthy real estate investor to a convicted murderer illustrates the devastating effects of personal turmoil and deceit. As he serves his sentence, the hope remains that justice for Q.C. and solace for her family can be found in the acknowledgment of his crimes and the time he will spend behind bars.
References: A Multimillionaire Was on the Run for Years Before Being Sentenced in Wife's Murder | Exclusive look inside Peter Chadwick's life on the run in Mexico
