Paoletto was arrested Monday for violation of parole.
Petro's body was found Tuesday at approximately 11 a.m. in Vans Ranch Pipe Canyon Wash in Landers, according to the San Bernardino Sheriff's Dept. The department proceeded with a homicide investigation Tuesday.
Petro's family told police that Paoletto had physically assaulted her last week.
The couple was supposed to pick up Paoletto's children in Yucca Valley, but Paoletto arrived alone.
Paoletto said he and Petro had argued on the drive and he left her at an unknown location.
Anyone with information is urged to call the Lake Elsinore police at (951) 245-3300.
