Justice Served: Man Found Guilty in 2022 Fentanyl Overdose Murder Case

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In a significant legal development in Jonesborough, Tennessee, a jury has found Tyrique Brown guilty of second-degree murder. The verdict, delivered on January 8, stems from Brown’s sale of fentanyl-laced drugs that led to the tragic death of Isaiah Coleman in 2022.

The conviction was announced by the First Judicial District Attorney, Steve Finney, highlighting the circumstances surrounding the fatal overdose that occurred on September 18, 2022.

On that fateful day, Coleman’s mother, Angela Carter, discovered her son unresponsive at their home in Piney Flats. Despite attempts to save him, the 23-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.

Reflecting on her son’s last moments, Carter recounted to News Channel 11 that Coleman had spent the previous evening enjoying a night out with friends. They were celebrating a recent raise he had received at work, adding a poignant layer to the tragic incident.

The release from Finney’s office said Brown reportedly sold the laced drugs to Coleman and two of his friends at a bar in downtown Johnson City in the early morning hours the same day Coleman’s death took place.

“At the time of the sales, Brown advised that his narcotics were cocaine,” the release states. Unknown to Coleman and his friends, the cocaine was laced with fentanyl, according to the release.

Coleman and his friends overdosed that same morning after consuming the narcotics Brown sold to them. Coleman was the only one to die as a result of the overdose. Finney’s office said that since Brown sold the drugs that led to the overdose in Johnson City, he could be tried in Washington County.

According to the release, Brown “refused to cooperate against his suppliers and was therefore charged with second-degree murder” for Coleman’s death.

Brown’s second-degree murder conviction carries a 15-to-25-year sentence at 100% to serve, the release said. Brown also faces 3-6 additional years at 30% served for two counts of sale of cocaine and 2-4 years also at 30% served for attempted sale of cocaine.

Brown’s sentencing is scheduled for March 30.