Two separate investigations produce murder, rape charges against Johnson City man

A Johnson City man is arrested and charged with the second-degree murder of an overdose victim who died four months ago.

Austin Forkpa was taken into custody following an investigation into the death of Bueford Patton III who police said bought Fentanyl and ethanol from Forkpa prior to his death on Sept. 18.

Forkpa is also charged with one count of rape stemming from an Aug. 9th encounter at Forkpa’s home that the victim said was not consensual.

Forkpa is being held in Jonesborough and was issued a $150,000 bond.