Drug-Induced Homicide: $100 Cocaine Deal Ends in Death

A $100 cash payment for cocaine at a Cary park led to the death of a 68-year-old McHenry County man, according to prosecutors. David W. Johnson, 70, of Wauconda, was charged with drug-induced homicide, a Class X felony, and delivery of a controlled substance, a Class 1 felony, on October 26.

Scott Torpe, 68, was found dead on December 19. A toxicology report determined that Torpe died of cocaine toxicity. Prosecutors stated that Torpe ingested the drug two days before his death. Detectives traced the source of the cocaine to Johnson after reviewing phone records. Torpe’s device showed calls and messages to a contact named "Dave," which investigators linked to Johnson.

The investigation revealed that Torpe and his wife used specific code words to coordinate the purchases. Messages between the couple referenced terms such as "parts" and "tinkerbell." Just days before Torpe was found dead, he asked his wife to withdraw cash from his bank account for "parts." Cell site location data placed Johnson and Torpe’s wife in the same location following one of these withdrawals.

Torpe’s wife admitted to sheriff’s detectives that she met Johnson at a park in Cary on December 17. She stated that she paid him $100 for cocaine intended for her husband. Detectives obtained search warrants for the phones of Johnson, Torpe, and Torpe’s wife to secure digital evidence. Johnson had previously spoken with detectives in August regarding the case.

Wauconda police officers located Johnson on Friday and arrested him on the active warrant. Officers found approximately two grams of cocaine and two cell phones in his possession at the time of arrest. Johnson was transported to the McHenry County Jail and appeared for an initial hearing on Saturday. A McHenry County judge granted a petition to detain him pending trial.

Judge Mary Nader noted that Johnson showed no desire to stop selling harmful controlled substances. She stated that Johnson lost a friend to cocaine and is still driving around McHenry and Lake County with enough product to deliver. Nader ruled that home confinement was insufficient because it would still allow Johnson to sell from his residence or during his two permitted days off. She also determined that drug testing conditions were not warranted since Johnson’s own use was not the primary issue.

Johnson has a prior conviction from 2006 for possessing over 900 grams of cocaine. Nader said Johnson was well aware of the consequences of possessing and delivering the drug at the time of that conviction. State’s Attorney Randi Freese stated that McHenry County has become a statewide leader in prosecuting drug-induced homicides. Freese said the office refuses to let those who peddle poison escape responsibility for the lives they destroy. Johnson is scheduled to appear in court again on November 4.