Woman, 80, Was Stabbed in Throat and Left for Dead amid Divorce from Husband, 93, Who Allegedly 'Couldn't Take It Anymore' By Samira Asma-Sadeque

A beloved grandmother and family matriarch was found bloodied on a pavement this week amid what her husband claims was a bitter divorce fight.

Cheryl Pate, 80, was found by officers responding to a report of a stabbing in Pekin, Ill., on Tuesday, Sep. 2, the Pekin Police Department said in a statement.

Pate was not named in the statement but was identified in a probable cause affidavit reviewed by PEOPLE.

Authorities promptly arrested her husband, 93-year-old James Pate, in connection with her death, Pekin police said.

The investigation began when Pekin police were dispatched to the scene and found Cheryl on the pavement by the passenger side of a vehicle in a private driveway, according to the affidavit, shared online by the Journal Star.

Cheryl had a laceration on the front of her neck and was covered in blood from her neck down. While she was being transported to a medical center, officers spoke with James — who they allege a “significant amount of blood” on him.

He allegedly told police he had cut Cheryl’s throat after the two got into an argument, per the affidavit.

The couple had decided to get a divorce, he allegedly said, adding that he harbored a lot of pent up anger and “couldn’t take it anymore.”

He said the couple got into the argument while inside the car. As he parked, he claimed Cheryl lunged at him, then he struck her.

He then allegedly “pulled a knife out of the center console and cut Cheryl’s throat,” authorities stated in the affidavit.

The Peoria County Coroner’s Office ruled Cheryl died from multiple sharp force injuries to her neck, the Journal Star reported.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE’s free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

Cheryl is being remembered as an energetic grandmother and family matriarch known for her artistic endeavors and volunteer work.

“Rumor has it that nearly everyone in Pekin has been blessed with at least one of her Christmas cookies, and a table dressed by Cherie was always a work of art,” read part of her obituary. “Ever the matriarch, Cherie loved family holidays the most.”

James has been charged with two counts of murder, per the affidavit. Online court information did not indicate plea or attorney information for him.

If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.