The husband of a missing Newport Beach woman pleaded not guilty on Monday to murdering his wife, about a week after he was taken into custody near the Mexico border on suspicion of homicide.
Police continue to search for the body of 46-year-old Quee Chadwick, Newport Beach police said Monday morning. Her husband, 48-year-old Peter Chadwick, was arrested Thursday after he called San Diego police for assistance on the 905 Freeway near the Mexico border.
Chadwick was charged Monday with one felony count of special circumstances murder for financial gain. He faces a maximum sentence of life in state prison without the possibility of parole if convicted, according to the Orange County District Attorney's office.
The case involves a "dispute regarding a possible divorce and related financial issues," according to the district attorney's office.
Chadwick was driving a champagne colored 2003 Lexus SUV sport utility vehicle Wednesday when he contacted authorities from the freeway to request assistance. It was not clear why Chadwick called for assistance, but he was taken into custody by Newport Beach authorities.
The investigation began after police were called to the couple's home Wednesday. A neighbor was concerned because the couple's children had not been picked up from school, police said.
Officers found "evidence of a struggle and possible foul play," according to a press release from the Newport Beach Police Department. A search for the couple began.
Chadwick is scheduled for a court appearance Monday afternoon in Santa Ana, according to jail records.
Anyone who might have information about the disapperance of Quee Chadwick can contact the Newport Beach Police Department at 800-550-6273 or 949-644-3764.
