Woman, 80, Was Stabbed in Throat and Left for Dead amid Divorce from Husband, 93, Who Allegedly ‘Couldn’t Take It Anymore’

A beloved grandmother and family matriarch was found injured on a pavement this week, in what her husband says began as a bitter divorce fight.

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

Pate’s name was not mentioned in the statement but appeared in a probable cause affidavit reviewed by PEOPLE.

Authorities quickly arrested her husband, 93-year-old James Pate, in connection with her death, according to Pekin police.

The investigation started when officers arrived at the scene and found Cheryl on the pavement next to the passenger side of a car in a private driveway, the affidavit shared by the Journal Star said.

Cheryl had a cut on the front of her neck and was covered in blood. While she was being taken to a medical center, officers spoke with James, who allegedly had a “significant amount of blood” on him.

He reportedly told police he had cut Cheryl’s throat after an argument, according to the affidavit.

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

He said the argument happened inside the car. When he parked, he claimed Cheryl lunged at him, and he struck her. He then allegedly “pulled a knife out of the center console and cut Cheryl’s throat,” the affidavit stated.

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

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

“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,” part of her obituary read. “Ever the matriarch, Cherie loved family holidays the most.”

James has been charged with two counts of murder, according to the affidavit. Online court information did not list his plea or attorney information.