70-Year-Old Man Detained After Victim Dies From $100 Cocaine Buy in Cary
A judge ordered David Johnson held in jail, citing his continued possession of drugs and a 2006 conviction for possessing over 900 grams of cocaine.
By Luka Evans ·
McHenry County Judge Mary Nader ordered David Johnson held in jail without bond on Saturday. The 70-year-old Wauconda man faces one count of drug-induced homicide and one count of delivery of a controlled substance. Prosecutors link him to the death of 68-year-old Scott Torpe, who died of cocaine toxicity two days after his wife paid $100 for drugs at a Cary park.
The McHenry County Sheriff's Office began its investigation on December 19, 2025, after Torpe was found dead. Detectives recovered his phone and found communications with a contact named "Dave" that traced back to Johnson. Messages between Torpe and his wife used specific code words, including "parts" and "tinkerbell," to arrange purchases. Torpe asked his wife to withdraw cash from his bank account for "parts" just days before his death.
Cell site location data placed Johnson and Torpe's wife at the same location following one of the cash withdrawals. In an interview with detectives, the woman admitted she met Johnson at the Cary park on December 17. She told investigators she paid him $100 for cocaine intended for her husband. A toxicology report later confirmed that Torpe died from cocaine toxicity.
Wauconda police officers located Johnson on Friday. They arrested him on a warrant issued by Judge Nader on October 26. At the time of his arrest, Johnson possessed approximately two grams of cocaine and two cell phones. He appeared in court for his initial hearing on Saturday. The state's attorney filed a petition to detain him pending trial, which the judge granted.
Judge Nader stated that Johnson showed no desire to stop selling harmful controlled substances. She noted that he lost a friend to cocaine and is still driving around the area with enough product to deliver. Nader explained that home confinement was insufficient because Johnson could continue selling from his residence or on the two days allowed for leave. She also ruled that drug testing or substance abuse evaluations were not warranted because Johnson's own use was not the issue in the case.
Records show Johnson was previously convicted in 2006 for possessing over 900 grams of cocaine. Judge Nader said Johnson was well aware of the consequences of his actions. He is scheduled to return to court on November 4.
McHenry County State's Attorney Randi Freese spoke after the hearing. She said the county has become a statewide leader in prosecuting drug-induced homicides by refusing to let those who sell drugs escape responsibility. Freese stated that every prosecution sends a warning that dealing deadly drugs carries consequences beyond simple drug charges.
