PEKIN, IL — 93-Year-Old Man Charged with Murder After Fatally Stabbing Wife: “I Couldn’t Take It Anymore,” He Allegedly Told Police
October 12, 2025 — A small community in Pekin, Illinois is reeling in shock after a 93-year-old man was charged with the brutal murder of his 80-year-old wife during what authorities say was a violent domestic dispute. The accused, James Pate, allegedly told police he slashed his wife’s throat because he “couldn’t take it anymore.”
The victim, Cheryl Pate, was found with life-threatening injuries and later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. Police responded to the scene on Tuesday following a 911 call about a domestic disturbance involving a possible stabbing.
According to a sworn affidavit obtained by 25 News Now, the elderly couple had been sitting in their vehicle when a heated argument escalated. During the confrontation, James Pate reportedly struck Cheryl and then retrieved a knife from the car’s center console. He admitted to police that he used it to cut her throat.
Emergency personnel arrived to find James Pate at the scene, his clothes and hands reportedly covered in blood. Cheryl was rushed to a nearby hospital but was declared dead shortly after arrival. She was found with no pulse at the scene.
During a subsequent interview with law enforcement, Pate confessed to the act, stating that the couple had been preparing for a divorce and that ongoing tension between them had reached a breaking point.
“He said he just couldn’t take it anymore,” the affidavit states. The documents did not specify how long the couple had been married, but the statement painted a picture of a long, troubled relationship that had turned tragically violent.
Charged with First-Degree Murder
James Pate has since been arrested and charged with first-degree murder. He is currently being held in the Tazewell County Jail pending a court appearance. No bond has been set at this time. It is unclear whether he has obtained legal representation or plans to plead guilty.
Prosecutors have not yet revealed whether there were any prior reports of domestic abuse or mental health concerns involving the couple. Officials say the investigation remains ongoing and are reviewing medical history, witness statements, and any past interactions with law enforcement.
A Shocking Crime
The case has drawn national attention due to both the brutality of the act and the ages of those involved. Crimes of this nature involving elderly individuals — especially spouses married for decades — are extremely rare, and the community has expressed a mix of disbelief, sadness, and horror.
“This is absolutely devastating,” said neighbor Janice Howard, who has lived on the same street as the couple for over 20 years. “They were quiet people. We never would have imagined something like this happening.”
Others described Cheryl as “kind and soft-spoken,” someone who kept to herself but always had a smile for passersby. “She didn’t deserve this,” another neighbor said tearfully. “No one does.”
Domestic Violence Across All Ages
Advocates and experts say this case, though rare, serves as a chilling reminder that domestic violence can affect people of all ages, including the elderly — a demographic often overlooked in discussions about intimate partner violence.
“Abuse doesn’t have an age limit,” said Dr. Lisa Horowitz, a clinical psychologist who works with senior populations. “Elderly couples can experience the same emotional volatility and control issues as younger ones. But what often goes unrecognized is that isolation and untreated mental illness in older adults can also play a significant role.”
Illinois law enforcement agencies and victim advocacy groups are now urging people to speak up if they suspect signs of abuse — regardless of the age or background of the individuals involved.
Community Support and Next Steps
A memorial for Cheryl Pate is expected to be announced in the coming days. Family members have requested privacy during this extremely difficult time.
Meanwhile, James Pate remains in custody. If convicted, he could spend the remainder of his life in prison — though prosecutors will have to weigh his age and health in determining the course of legal proceedings.
The Tazewell County State’s Attorney’s Office has not ruled out a mental health evaluation to determine his competency to stand trial.
As the investigation unfolds and the community mourns Cheryl’s loss, the case continues to raise questions about how such a violent eruption of anger could occur between two people who had shared a life — and how it went unnoticed until it was far too late.
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