Suvechha Sarkar
Padraic Michael Guffey, affectionately known as Pad, was a loving father and a beloved son. However, the life of the 42-year-old came to a sudden halt in May 2011, when he passed away in his home in Las Cruces, New Mexico. What initially appeared to be a devastating accident soon unraveled a turbulent connection behind closed doors. Investigation Discovery’s ‘Fatal Vows: Murder Behind the Gates’ explores the circumstances that led to Pad’s death and the investigation that revealed his killer to be a person closest to him. It also features interviews with his friends and the officials who helped solve the case.
Padraic Guffey’s Untimely Demise Was Initially Ruled to be Accidental
Padraic Michael Guffey, lovingly known as Pad, arrived as a ray of sunshine in the lives of his parents, Allene Guffey-Havsenfluke and Michael Rayford Guffey, on August 25, 1968. Growing up as the only child, he was always surrounded by an abundance of love and support from his parents. Pad was a kind man with a bright personality. After graduating from Las Cruces High School, he pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing at New Mexico State University. Ultimately, Pad earned a Bachelor’s degree before obtaining his pilot’s license. Eventually, he joined the family business and became the owner of the R.L. Guffey Drilling in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Whenever he had the opportunity, he often headed outdoors, enjoying activities like boating, golf, and travel.
According to reports, when Pad was around 18 years old, he crossed paths with Kemberlee Guffey, also known as Kem. Some of his friends stated that he instantly fell for her, and it wasn’t long before they began dating. After five years of their relationship, they finally tied the knot in 1991. However, Pad faced a major heartbreak when his father, Michael Rayford Guffey, unexpectedly passed away in an on-site accident on April 9, 1997. Three years later, Pad found happiness once again when he and Kem welcomed their son, Cooper, into the world. Eventually, the family settled down in the neighborhood of Mesilla, in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Everything appeared to be going well when authorities received a 911 call on May 31, 2011. Kem informed the dispatchers that Pad was injured, and they needed an ambulance.
When first responders arrived at the scene, they reportedly found Pad trying to communicate with them. Reports state that he told them that he was doing some work in the yard when he fell on a branch, hurting himself in the chest. Pad was then rushed to the hospital, but unfortunately, he was declared dead shortly after. Based on what Pad told the paramedics, officials initially considered his death to be accidental. However, when detectives searched his home, they found no branches or similar items that could’ve injured him. As per the officials on the show, the single puncture wound that Pad suffered from his injury had gone through two of his ribs, thus piercing his heart, which resulted in his death.
A 911 Call Recording and Shifting Narratives Directed Officials to the Killer
Authorities reportedly first questioned Kem at the scene, who claimed that on that fateful morning, she was asleep when Pad went out. According to official records, she claimed that she and Pad exchanged a few messages that morning before she headed to the kitchen to make a smoothie. Further reports indicate that Pad then allegedly entered the kitchen injured, and Kem claimed that she didn’t have any idea that he was at home. However, suspicions reportedly arose when detectives were unable to find any branch or items like it to match Pad’s statement. Moreover, Kem claimed that she cleaned Pad’s blood to prevent her son from seeing it, as per police reports. Court records specify that as time passed, investigators learned from Pad’s friends that the relationship between Kem and Pad had become tumultuous.
According to one of the officials, at the time, Kem was allegedly having an emotional affair with a man from her son, Cooper’s bowling alley. One of Pad’s friends, Jamie Foreman, claimed that Kem and Pad’s relationship deteriorated since Pad allegedly had a habit of visiting strip clubs. In his statements, Jamie also alleged that Kem once became unnaturally close to one of her clients from work. Reports state that when Kem was questioned a second time, she changed her account and admitted she was on a call with Pad for about 20 minutes before he allegedly hung up on her. Per reports, she claimed that Pad was angry with her after allegedly hearing gossip about her.
Investigative reports indicate the officials then spoke with the dispatchers, who informed them that the 911 call from Kem was recorded from the time the phone started ringing. It reportedly recorded Kem saying, “Please don’t send me to the cops. Say you fell, please. Promise me. Baby, I’m sorry! I have an emergency. Please hurry. I stabbed my husband.” As per police records, Kem said the first few words to Pad and told him that she had kept the murder weapon in their car before the 911 operator picked up the call. The authorities reportedly believed that on that fateful day, when Pad rushed home from work after allegedly suspecting Kem, she suddenly stabbed him with a letter opener. Ultimately, Kem was arrested and charged with first-degree murder.
Kemberlee “Kem” Guffey is Seemingly Leading a Quiet Life Today
Following her arrest, Kem avoided a jury trial by accepting a plea deal in August 2013. She ultimately pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and tampering with evidence. During her sentencing hearing in January 2014, the prosecution reportedly presented the 911 call as part of their evidence, along with testimonies from Pad’s loved ones, recounting the tumultuous relationship between him and Kem.
On the other hand, the defense claimed that Kem’s actions were a reaction in self-defense that allegedly occurred during a significant argument. She reportedly said, “I just reacted to Pad’s actions. I never expected him to die that day. I never expected what happened was even able to happen.” Kem was sentenced to two years in prison for the involuntary manslaughter, along with one year of probation following that. As of writing, she has likely been released from prison and appears to be maintaining a low profile.
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