A tight-knit Illinois community is reeling after an 80-year-old grandmother and beloved family matriarch was found brutally slain in what authorities say stemmed from a bitter divorce dispute.
Cheryl Pate was discovered bloodied on a driveway in Pekin, Ill., on Tuesday, Sep. 2, after police responded to a report of a stabbing, according to the Pekin Police Department. Her husband, 93-year-old James Pate, was arrested at the scene and charged with two counts of murder.
According to a probable cause affidavit reviewed by PEOPLE, officers arrived to find Cheryl lying on the pavement next to a car, covered in blood with a deep neck wound. While she was rushed to a medical center, investigators spoke with James, who allegedly had “a significant amount of blood” on him.
Authorities say James confessed to cutting Cheryl’s throat during an argument in the car. He allegedly told police the couple had decided to divorce and admitted he had been harboring anger for a long time. “I couldn’t take it anymore,” he reportedly said.
Investigators say James claimed Cheryl lunged at him while inside the car, prompting him to grab a knife from the center console and slash her neck. The Peoria County Coroner’s Office ruled Cheryl died from multiple sharp-force injuries.
Loved ones are devastated by the loss of Cheryl, who was known in Pekin for her vibrant personality, artistic touch, and passion for family gatherings. “Rumor has it that nearly everyone in Pekin has been blessed with at least one of her Christmas cookies,” her obituary reads. “Ever the matriarch, Cherie loved family holidays the most.”
James remains in custody. Court records do not yet indicate whether he has entered a plea or obtained an attorney.
Since he could not take it anymore maybe the state could put him out if his misery.Sinve covid so many are murdering people