Knoxville Police have charged a man with multiple counts including first-degree murder and rape following a welfare check at an East Knoxville this (Friday) morning where officers found a man dead inside.

57-year-old Joe Whitaker is also charged with especially aggravated kidnapping and other additional charges after KPD officers responding to the 3100 block of Bellevue Street found that man and two other people, including Whitaker, inside of the home, they were detained.

Further investigation revealed that Whitaker had reportedly stabbed and killed the victim on February 12.