Battle Creek, Mich., -- A probable cause document is revealing disturbing details about what allegedly happened the night a gas station clerk was stabbed to death in Calhoun County. According to her Facebook page, 27-year-old Nicole Gates had just begun working at the Citgo gas station on M-89 in the Level Park neighborhood of Battle Creek.
Investigators believe Shawn Pike, 30, entered the station just minutes before her shift ended and stabbed the young mother to death on July 23rd.
According to newly released court documents, Pike told police he met Gates on Facebook about a month ago. He also told officers that he went to the gas station to rob it since he needed to get out-of-town to avoid several outstanding warrants.
Investigators said that Pike admitted to them that he approached the cash register and stabbed Gates in the arm as she tried to call police. The probable cause also said Pike told police that he "lost control" and stabbed Gates until the knife broke. The documents go on to say Pike allegedly used Gates' store keys to lock up, before leaving the scene in her car.
Pike has been arraigned on Open Murder charges. A second suspect, Dustin Hartman, is also being charged as an accessory in the case.
Gates is scheduled to be laid to rest on Wednesday. A "Go Fund Me" account has been set up in her memory to raise money for her children's education.
