White County man charged with murdering his girlfriend’s son

Ronnie Elwynn Pate

60-year-old Ronnie Pate was arrested after an argument over a drink turned deadly 

(Cleveland)- The White County Sheriff’s Office has released information about a murder investigation. Capt. Rick Kelley, with the sheriff’s office, said in a news release that on August 15th at 1 PM deputies were dispatched to a residence at 375 Oglethorpe Lane in reference to a person being shot.

Kelley said deputies arrived on scene and located the victim, 31-year old Joshua Wayne Tench, dead at the scene.

According to Kelley, Tench had been shot in the chest with a shotgun. Ronnie Pate, age 60, was also at the scene. Pate and Tench both lived in a camper at that location.

Capt. Kelley said Ronnie Pate is Joshua Tench’s mother’s boyfriend.

The victim and Pate were involved in an argument and that is when Pate allegedly shot Tench with a shotgun. The release said the argument started over a drink that Tench had purchased at a convenience store.

Ronnie Elywnn Pate was arrested and has been charged with murder.

White County Sheriff’s Office along with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation are working the case which is still active.