What to Know
- Patrick Palmer was arrested and booked in to jail in connection with the killing of his wife, Sherry, BSO officials said
- Deputies found Palmer's decomposed body at her Pompano Beach home last Tuesday
- Her husband was found unconscious and bloody at the home. He also had injuries to his arms and was hospitalized
The husband of a popular South Florida bar owner who was found dead in her home was arrested Tuesday for her murder, authorities said.
Patrick Palmer, 51, was arrested and booked into jail on a first-degree murder charge in the killing of his wife, 63-year-old Sherry Palmer, Broward Sheriff's Office officials said.
BSO officials said they believe Palmer engaged in an elaborate cover-up after his wife's death in an attempt to make her family and friends believe she was still alive.
Witnesses reported hearing gunshots the night of April 14, and after friends couldn't reach Sherry Palmer, deputies went to the couple's Pompano Beach home to do a welfare check three days later, on April 17.
Deputies found Sherry Palmer's decomposed body in the home's backyard wrapped in several tarps. Near the body were a pickaxe and shovel near what appeared to be a shallow grave, officials said.
She had been shot twice in the head, officials said.
Local
Her husband was found unconscious and bloody in a bed. He also had injuries to his arms and was hospitalized.
The Sun Sentinel reported that Patrick Palmer was a chef at Chit Chat's bar, which was owned by Sherry.
Friends say the couple had been together 20 years and that Patrick had served with the U.S. Marine Corps. Patrons gathered at Chit Chat's bar this week to remember Sherry, calling her a champion hugger and someone who enjoyed mentoring others in the restaurant business.
Palmer was being held without bond Tuesday.
