REPORT: 93-Year-Old Man Fought With Wife Before He Allegedly Cut Her Throat

A 93-year-old Illinois man fought with his wife before he allegedly cut her throat and killed her Tuesday, according to 25 News Now.

James Pate was arrested by the Pekin Police Department in connection with the death of his 80-year-old wife, Cheryl Pate, 25 News Now reported. According to an affidavit, police officers encountered Pate on the 1800 block of South 14th Street apparently covered in blood Tuesday, the outlet reported.

Pate allegedly told officers he and his wife had a fight inside a vehicle, and she lunged at him as if to scratch him, 25 News Now reported. Pate then pushed her away and struck her before allegedly using the knife to cut her throat. Pate said he and his wife were planning on filing for divorce, he had a lot of anger and he “couldn’t take it anymore,” the outlet reported, citing the affidavit.

The Pekin Police Department confirmed Pate had been arrested for first-degree murder in a Sept. 2 press release. Police also said officers provided Cheryl Pate medical attention on scene before she was transported to a local hospital, where she died. (RELATED: Mom Allegedly Assaulted By Suspect Who Carries Host Of Previous Charges)

In a Sept. 3 statement, the Peoria County Coroner’s Office said Cheryl was “not breathing, with no pulse, and [was] unresponsive” before arriving at the hospital. Autopsy results indicate Cheryl “suffered multiple sharp force injuries that were incompatible with life and unsurvivable,” according to the same statement.

Pate is currently being held at the Tazewell County Jail, the Peoria Journal Star reported. The Tazewell County State’s Attorney’s Office filed a petition to deny Pate pre-trial release, saying he would “pose a threat to the safety of the community,” according to the outlet.

Police are continuing to investigate Cheryl Pate’s death, the outlet reported.