Arrest Warrant Issued For Suspect In Man's Death In Del City

An arrest warrant has been issued for a man wanted in connection to another man’s death in Del City, Oklahoma.

According to an affidavit, authorities are looking for 30-year-old Tyler Gregory Pate in connection to the death of 30-year-old Charles Wertz, who was found dead in the street early Tuesday morning in the 4200 block of S.E. 22nd Street. Police said Wertz sustained multiple gunshot wounds.

Investigators said the victim’s right hand was on a cocked loaded pistol in his hoodie pocket, next to two clear plastic bags containing meth and a cell phone. His left hand was holding one clear plastic bags containing meth.

Witnesses reported hearing three gunshots between midnight and 12:20 a.m.

Authorities said the victim’s cell phone revealed he was communicating with the suspect, Pate, within minutes of the shooting. He had reportedly agreed to sell Pate seven grams of meth for $125. The victim also sent Pate a pin drop that showed his location, which was where he was found dead.

The last phone call Wertz made was to Pate at about 12:03 a.m., around the same time witnesses heard the three gunshots.

Wertz’s girlfriend told investigators that Pate and Wertz had not talked for a while, because Pate was mad at Wertz for stealing his friend’s vehicle. Wertz’s girlfriend said they had returned the vehicle several weeks ago and thought the issue had been resolved. The girlfriend said after Wertz failed to come home, she messaged Pate and he never responded to her messages.

An arrest warrant was then issued for Pate on Wednesday. He is wanted on a first-degree murder complaint. 

Pate stands 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighs 195 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes. If you have any information, call 911 immediately.