Authorities in Florida have arrested a man on suspicion of killing his wife inside their residence earlier this month.
According to WPLG, 63-year-old Sherry Palmer was found dead at the Pompano Beach home, wrapped in multiple tarps in the back yard.
The victim had two gunshot wounds to her head, according to police.
Her 51-year-old husband, Patrick, was found lying on a bed inside the home, unconscious and bleeding apparently self-inflicted cuts in his arms, according to the Sun-Sentinel.
Investigators say the suspect survived and is now facing criminal charges including first-degree murder.
Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies became involved in the case when the Palmers were reported missing after they failed to show up to work for several consecutive days.
The victim reportedly owned a local bar called Chit Chat’s, which remained closed for a period of mourning after her body was recovered.
A sheriff’s office spokesperson confirmed that neighbors reported hearing gunshots in the area on the evening of April 14.
Gina Carter went on to note that a shovel and pickax were found near Sherry Palmer’s body and what appeared to be a hole dug as a shallow grave.
After the discovery, analysts used dental records to positively identify her remains. Her body had begun to decompose by the time police found it, according to reports.
Detectives could not provide a motive for the crime as of the latest updates available, though authorities believe it was staged as part of a larger scheme by Patrick Palmer to convince his wife’s loved ones that she was still alive.
It is unclear how long the suspect had been inside the home when he was found, but the alleged effort to deceive others about Sherry Palmer’s whereabouts reportedly continued for some time after her death.
Police say the investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information about the crime is asked to contact detectives by calling 954-321-4321 or leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS.
[Featured image: Patrick Palmer/Broward Sheriff’s Office]
