Watch: Suspect Charged with Murder in Drowning Death

Michael Jason Pate

RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. (WOLO) – A 33-year-old man is facing murder charges following an investigation in the drowning death of a woman over the weekend.

Michael Jason Pate was taken into custody on Monday at his home in the 2200 block of Greenwyche Avenue.

On Saturday, May 28, around 8 p.m. Richland County Sheriff’s deputies were called by Pate’s girlfriend in reference to a drowning on the banks of the Broad River.

The body of 37-year-old Lindsay Kellah McKay was pulled from the river approximately 100 yards east of Diane Drive, officials say.

Richland County Coroner Gary Watts said the victim died as a result of drowning and had injuries consistent with an altercation.

Pate allegedly took the victim to the river under the premise that they were going fishing.  Deputies say a verbal altercation became physical which ultimately resulted in McKay’s death.

Pate is being held at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.

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