Newport Beach officers were dispatched to a million dollar home in a gated Newport Beach community when a neighbor reported she learned the children of Quee and Peter Chadwick had not been picked up from school. Two days after Quee and Peter were reported missing, officers entered the home and noticed what appeared to be signs a struggle had taken place in the home.

Newport Beach Police began searching for the couple but did not release any details to the public because of the ongoing nature of the investigation. At about 5:30 a.m., Peter Chadwick turned up at the San Diego Police Department.

Currently Newport Beach Police are searching for Quee Chadwick and are trying to figure out where Peter Chadwick travelled after leaving Orange County. Currently, Peter Chadwick is in custody at the Orange County Jail and is set to appear in court on October 15, 2012.

The fact that Mr. Chadwick is in custody, it appears law enforcement officials are under the impression a homicide has taken place. While Quee Chadwick has not been seen since Monday, officers likely found evidence of a struggle in the Chadwick home.

It is not uncommon for an individual to be charged with murder when a spouse goes missing, even if no body has been recovered. Should Mr. Chadwick be charged with murder, a conviction could result in life in prison.

It is important to contact an experienced Orange County criminal attorney should you be the subject of any crime. While murder is a serious charge, there are defenses including self-defense and heat of passion. There is no indication, Mrs. Chadwick was the victim of a homicide, but if she was, there may be legal defenses that should be explored.

Call our office today to speak to a Certified Criminal Law Specialist in Orange County.