Husband Admits to Wife's Murder After She Was Found in Trash

Summary

A routine welfare check escalated into a gruesome murder investigation when police arrived at the home of Keith and Amber Zado. Amber's mother, Betty, called 911 after being unable to contact her daughter for two days. Upon arrival, officers found only the children, who stated their parents were gone. Betty expressed concern, noting Amber's car and personal belongings were left behind, which was uncharacteristic. A note, initially appearing to be a suicide note from Amber, raised suspicions due to its peculiar wording and the fact that Amber had never left her children before. Keith Zado, Amber's husband, eventually gave consent for police to search the home. During the search, officers discovered Amber's decaying body in a trash can in the garage, killed by a gunshot wound to the head. Evidence of blood spatter was found throughout the house, indicating a violent struggle. Keith initially claimed he had no memory of the events, stating he had been drinking heavily and had a blackout. Later, he confessed to his sister that he had an argument with Amber over money and infidelity, during which she allegedly pulled a gun, he took it, and it discharged, killing her. He admitted to placing her body in the trash. Betty's account of checking the trash earlier that day without seeing the body or the gun also raised questions. Keith Zado was ultimately arrested and pleaded guilty to first-degree murder, receiving a life sentence without parole.