BARTLETT, TN - On Saturday, May 2, 2009, Thomas Pate was charged with second degree murder in the death of his wife, 26 year-old Micah Pate. Pate was reported missing on Thursday. Her body was discovered Friday night in the Loosahatchie River near Brunswick Road in northeast Shelby County.
Bartlett Police say Thomas Pate led them to his wife's body.
"It's been terrible," says Micah Pate's uncle, Mel Sansom. "Just not knowing was very difficult. Now that we know, we have a long road ahead, just trying to get through it. We are heartbroken and just not sure where to turn. God is providing peace and comfort. Friends have been unbelievable."
Thomas Pate called police Thursday at 10:30 p.m. and said his wife Micah had gone for a run at 8:30 p.m. and hadn't come home. Investigators searched the Pate's Bartlett home Friday afternoon.
Neighbor Tammi Bowen says her daughter watched as detectives talked to Thomas Pate.
"She made the comment to me," says Bowen, "that the husband was standing outside talking to the policeman and he didn't look sad or upset or anything. He just had his hands on his hips looking. She told me he seems suspicious and I feel scared."
Bartlett Police say Thomas Pate told them he accidentally shot his wife.
"We heard he said he accidentally shot her," says Bowen, "but why wouldn't he call 911? That was our thing."
Neighbors and family members say they are glad they know what happened to Micah. And they all say she was one of the nicest people you could meet.
"She would always wave and smile," Tammi Bowen tells myEyewitnessNews.com. "She was always so sweet."
"Very sweet and very helpful," says Stansom. "Always looking for the best in others. Trying to encourage and help in any way she could. She was a great nurse. She was a great daughter, she loved her job and the people she worked with. Her joy for life was contagious."
Micah Pate's family held vigils Saturday night at Harding Academy. They say they haven't made funeral plans yet.
Her husband is in the Bartlett City Jail. No date has been set for his first court appearance.
