Press Release
The Office of State Attorney Glenn Hess announces that on July 19, 2019, Daniel Joseph Pate, 17, pleaded guilty to Second Degree Murder with a Firearm, and Battery in a County Jail or Detention Facility. Daniel Pate was sentenced to 25 years in prison, day for day, by Judge James Goodman, Jr., for the murder of his uncle, Michael Dewitt Pate. The investigation revealed that on November 6, 2017, Michael drove to meet with Daniel at his residence. An argument ensued and Daniel pointed a hunting rifle at Michael and shot him in the left eye while Michael sat in his vehicle. After Daniel shot Michael, he removed Michael from the vehicle and left him lying on the ground. Daniel then got into Michael’s vehicle and left the scene. Daniel first called his father who advised him to notify 911 and turn himself in. Daniel then called 911; confessed to the crime and advised that he was standing by at the Bethlehem Baptist Church waiting to turn himself in. Officers arrived on scene and found Daniel sitting in Michael’s vehicle.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney, Mark E. Graham, and was investigated by Jeff Snell with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.
For additional information, contact Chief Assistant State Attorney Larry Basford.