Arrest Warrant Issued, Reward Offered For Bluff City Murder Suspect

Federal, state, and local law enforcement are on the hunt for a man indicted for first degree murder of a Bluff City man, who was found dead in his apartment last month.

“When you find more about the victim, it will open up doors to take us to other places where we might find a suspect,” said Sheriff Wayne Anderson last month early in the investigation.

Within a short period, those doors helped investigators to identify their suspect.

Anderson identified him as Abrey Wayne Fortner.
A Sullivan County Grand Jury indicted Fortner Wednesday afternoon and a judge signed an arrest warrant for him the next morning.

“The capias we have on him now is for first degree murder,“ said Sheriff Anderson.

Investigators believe Fortner is responsible for the death of Arthur Theodore Bruchard, Jr.  Bluff City Police discovered his body after checking up on him at his apartment on September 7th.

“At the time, we felt like it was a suspicious death and no doubt.  It was,“ said Sheriff Anderson.
He said Bruchard had at least one stab wound, but the autopsy revealed the cause of death.

“He slit his throat.  Severely slit his throat,“ said Sheriff Anderson.
Investigators say Fortner worked for Bruchard.

“Remodeling, tile, concrete, carpentry, painting,“ said Lt. Joe Smelser, Criminal Investigations Division, Sullivan County Sheriff’s Department.
And so they’re looking at one strong motive.

“It could be more than one, but debts owed by the victim is one we’re looking at,“ said Lt. Smelser.
Sheriff Anderson says this is not Fortner’s first experience with violence, “He was in prison for 10 years for malicious wounding.”
And Fortner’s wanted on warrants from Chesapeake and Smithville, Virginia.

“Violation of probation, kidnapping, and malicious wounding,“ said Sheriff Anderson.
And that’s why, law enforcement are anxious to get Fortner off the streets.

“This man is very, very dangerous.  That’s a proven point on this one incident and when you look into his past.  He’s very violent,“ said Sheriff Anderson.
Investigators say Fortner is 31-years old with brown hair and eyes.  He’s 6 feet tall and 270 pounds.  The sheriff says Fortner also goes by Brandon Lawson, but could have easily changed his name again and possibly altered his appearance.

If you have any information on the case, the police want to hear from you.  The TBI and the U.S. Marshals Service have set up a $3,000 award for information that leads to Fortner’s arrest.