Maleke Pate: Tacoma man given four life sentences without parole for quadruple 'execution-style' murder

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

TACOMA, WASHINGTON: Maleke Pate, found guilty of committing a quadruple homicide in Tacoma in October 2021, has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The guilty verdict, delivered by a jury back in March, held Pate accountable for the brutal murders of Maria Nunez-lese, 42, Emery Iese, 19, Raymond William, 22, and Natasha Brincefield, 22. 

Pierce County deputy prosecuting attorney Sunni Ko noted the 24-year-old had "gunned them down with no cause, no emotion, and killed them execution-style."

Families of victims convey grief as the judge hands down consecutive life sentences

The judge imposed four life sentences on Pate, symbolizing justice for each victim.

Heartbreaking testimonies from the families echoed through the courtroom during the sentencing, with one mother expressing, "I wake up every day and realize my daughter is not here."

"My sister did not pass, she was murdered in cold blood," said Brincefield’s sister.

Despite the gravity of the proceedings, the courtroom was disrupted by Pate, who interjected with claims of innocence. As emotions ran high, the judge ordered the suspect to watch the remainder of the hearing via Zoom, allowing the families to speak without interruption.

Seven family members took the stand, each sharing the profound impact of their loss. "Seventeen years is not enough with your mom, your big brother," shared one family member.

"My wife Maria, we met at 13, separated by death," said Maria's husband emotionally, FOX13 reported.

Another questioned whether Pate had even looked his victim in the eyes before committing the heinous act. 

Maleke Pate asserts there's nothing that points he is the murderer 

Addressing the court before sentencing, the suspect maintained his innocence, "You have no DNA of me, so how am I the one who committed this murder. There’s nothing that points to me."

However, the judge remained resolute, delivering the long-awaited justice that the victims' families had expected. "There are truly no words that I can use to describe the magnitude of grief and pain in this courtroom," asserted the judge.

Pate's legal team implored the court to acknowledge his mental illness. A restitution hearing has been scheduled for August 2.