On July 29, authorities began investigating after someone abandoned an infant in a car seat outside a stranger’s home near Old Highway 20 in the Tigrett area. The Dyer County Sheriff’s Office said a dark-colored minivan or a white mid-size SUV dropped off the infant around 3:11 p.m. A witness saw the baby and called 911. Emergency crews responded and evaluated the baby, who appeared to be safe, officials said. The infant was later identified. When referring to the incident days later, authorities said “they” dropped off the child, seeming to imply that another person may have been with Drummond when the child was abandoned. Officials called leaving the infant in the yard a “sign of compassion” and said that “they” brought attention to the child before fleeing. Authorities appealed to that “compassion,” hoping to convince Drummond to turn himself in.

Authorities later determined the abandoned baby was connected to a crime scene in Lake County, where four people were found dead. Court records for an alleged accomplice of Drummond later revealed that all four were found to have gunshot wounds. A district attorney later confirmed the identities of four people found dead. All were family members of a baby who was discovered abandoned in a car seat in a random person’s front yard. District Attorney Danny Goodman Jr., who serves both Dyer County and Lake County, said those four people were the child’s parents, 20-year-old Adrianna Williams and 21-year-old Matthew Wilson; the baby’s maternal grandmother, 38-year-old Cortney Rose; and the child’s maternal uncle, 15-year-old Braydon Williams. An in-law of the family later posted on social media, saying that Drummond previously dated Rose’s sister.

Investigation Timeline

Tuesday, July 29, 2025

• 6:10 AM: James Williams last contact with his mother. 
• 3:10 PM A 7‑month‑old infant is found abandoned in a car seat in a front yard in the Tigrett area of Dyer County, prompting a call to deputies.
• 3:11 PM: the Dyer County Sheriff’s Office received a call regarding a concerning incident on Old Highway 20 near the Tigrett area. Source
• 5:10 PM investigators have identified the child and they would like to speak with Cortney Rose, Matthew Wilson, and Adrianna Williams. If you have any information as to their whereabouts, please contact the Dyer County Sheriff’s Office at 731-285-2802. Source
• 10:26 PM Dyer County received a 911 call reporting that Rose and her daughter were missing. The caller stated they were actively searching around a home with a flashlight. Source
• 10:30 PM Four victims are discovered dead along Carrington Road in Tiptonville, Lake County. A joint investigation between Dyer and Lake County offices is initiated; TBI and FBI are called in. Source

Wednesday, July 30, 2025

• Victims are officially identified, James M. Wilson, Adrianna Williams, Cortney Rose, Braydon Williams confirming familial ties to the baby: parents, grandmother, and uncle. Source

Thursday, July 31, 2025

• TBI names Austin Robert Drummond (28) as the suspect. Officials note his previous relationship with the victims; investigation intensifies. TBI Agents obtained warrants for Austin Robert Drummond (DOB 8/31/96), charging him with four counts of First Degree Murder, one count of Aggravated Kidnapping, four counts of Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and one count of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Dangerous Felony. At this time, Drummond remains at large and should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information concerning his whereabouts is asked to call 731-415-7962, 731-333-0811, or 1-800-TBI-FIND. Source
• 2:22 PM: Tennessee’s Most Wanted Alert: Austin Robert Drummond. Suspect’s Background
• Name: Austin Robert Drummond
  Aliases: Austin Drummond, Austin R. Drummond, Robert Austin
  Date of Birth: August 3 or August 31, 1996
  Place of Birth: Rhode Island (RI)
  Sex: Male | Race: White
  Height/Weight: 5’10”, 200 lbs
  Eye/Hair Color: Blue / Brown
• Austin Robert Drummond is wanted by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation for four counts of First Degree Murder, one count of Aggravated Kidnapping, four counts of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, and one count of Possession of a Firearm During a Dangerous Felony. Austin Robert Drummond should be considered armed and dangerous. Austin Robert Drummond has been added to the TBI’s Most Wanted List. A reward of up to $2,500 is being offered for information leading to his arrest. Source
• A 2016 white Audi A3, believed to have been driven by Drummond, is recovered in north Jackson. Source

Friday, August 1, 2025

• A $15,000 combined reward is announced.

Saturday, August 2, 2025

• Two vehicles tied to the case found: the previously mentioned Audi, and a 1988 white Ford pickup (red stripe) in Dyer County. Source
• investigation revealed that Drummond’s associate, Giovontie Thomas (DOB 3/24/1996), assisted Drummond. Saturday, agents obtained warrants charging Thomas with Accessory After the Fact to 1st Degree Murder. Thomas was already being held in the Madison County Jail on an unrelated charge for Failure to Appear. He will be transferred to the Lake County Jail to be arraigned on the new charges. Source
• Tanaka Brown (29) and Giovonte Thomas (29) are arrested in Jackson and charged with accessory after the fact; Brown also faces evidence tampering charges. Source
• Reward is raised to $17,500.

Sunday, August 3, 2025

• 11:20 PM A confirmed sighting of Drummond is captured on a resident’s surveillance camera in the 700 block of Pipkin Road, Jackson. He was seen wearing full camouflage, carrying a brown backpack and armed with a black rifle. Law enforcement requests video from nearby areas: Pipkin Road, Pleasant Plains Road, Oil Well Road, Country Club Lane.

Monday, August 4, 2025

• Dearrah Sanders (23) is arrested and charged with accessory after the fact to first-degree murder in relation to Drummond’s evasion efforts.
• Federal complaint filed by U.S. Marshals indicates Drummond may have crossed state lines; manhunt widened nationally.
• Reward increased again: now $30,000 to $32,500, including contributions from TBI, Marshals, Governor’s office, and crime-stoppers groups. Source
• 11:00 AM Another possible sighting of Drummond has been reported. The Tennessee Highway Patrol, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and Jackson Police have been staged for further investigation,  searching the area around the Pleasant Plains Road, Oil Well Road, and Country Club Lane. Behind Cherry Grove Apartments 
• 12:40 PM SWAT left the area.
• 4:03 PM Police asking Citizens in the Pipkin Rd. and Pleasant Plains Road area are urged to review all Ring doorbell and security camera footage recorded between 10 pm Sunday, August 3rd, and the current time. The City of Jackson, TN – Police Department requests that you share any relevant video footage that may assist in the Austin Drummond case by contacting 731-425-8400. Due to ongoing activities, Pipkin Road is temporarily closed to traffic; residents in this area are advised to remain vigilant regarding their surroundings Source
• 6:57 PM Police Release and update on a confirmed sighting of suspect Austin Drummond was captured on a citizens camera system in the 700 block of Pipkin Rd on last night. Drummond is considered armed and dangerous. Please exercise extra caution as you come and go from your homes. Drummond is believed to still be in the area, and it’s crucial to stay vigilant. Ensure all doors, garages, sheds, and outbuildings are securely locked to prevent unauthorized access. We urge all residents report any suspicious activity caught on camera systems. https://safejacksontn.org/ Be mindful of your surroundings, and report any suspicious activity to City of Jackson, TN – Police Department. Your safety is our top priority, so please take these precautions seriously to protect yourself, your family, and our neighborhood. Source
• 8:28 PM City of Jackson PD released a video footage of Dammon Source
• Video surveillance of the suspect from the area of Pipkin Road of the suspect armed with a black rifle and wearing camouflage pants and a long sleeve camouflage shirt with a brown backpack
• 8:29 PM City of Jackson PD released video footage of Drammon Source
• Video surveillance of the suspect from the area of Pipkin Road of the suspect armed with a black rifle and wearing camouflage pants and a long sleeve camouflage shirt with a brown backpack.
• Video surveillance of the suspect from the area of Pipkin Road of the suspect armed with a black rifle and wearing camouflage pants and a long sleeve camouflage shirt with a brown backpack.
• If you have any information about his whereabouts please call 911 or 731-425-8400. CrimeStoppers 731-424-8477 TBI 1-800-TBI-FIND!
• Late Night: Austin Drummond hides inside a vacant pool house behind a Jackson, TN home. The pool house is luxuriously furnished, with:
• A large screen TV mounted on the wall
• Dining table with service for 8
• Sofa, loveseat, armchair, and coffee table
• Artwork and multiple fans
• Drummond’s makeshift bed in a closet, using couch cushions

CONFIRMED AUSTIN DRUMMOND SIGHTINGS

• August 3, 2025 11:20 PM: Cornerstone Community Church in Jackson, TN
• August 4, 2025 4:34 PM: White Oaks Drive in Jackson, TN – 4:34 AM August 4th

Austin Drummond, a dangerous felon with a history of robbery, attempted murder, and weapons charges, now faces four counts of first-degree murder.

He’s currently at large in the Jackson Area, armed with an AR-style pistol equipped with a 60-round drum magazine. We urge everyone to stay alert. He’s desperate, with nothing to lose, and may target unsecured buildings, vehicles, or unsuspecting individuals.

August 5, 2025

• 8:10 AM: The home’s caretaker approaches the pool house. “As I came up to the pool house, I sensed something off, and that’s when I encountered the suspect.” — Caretaker to Fox13 source
• Drummond emerges from inside, armed. “He came from inside of the pool house, where he had apparently been hiding out, and he had either a rifle or a shotgun, and he pointed that at me and yelled.”
• The caretaker and Drummond both react with surprise. “I hit the ground, scrambled, and took off running… He took off running. He ran toward me at first, which really made me take off. I spooked him.”
• The caretaker flees into the woods, calls 911, and flags down law enforcement. Drummond also runs into the surrounding woods.
• Police Release a Sighting Report Source
• 8:15 AM Allert Issued: Residents in the Bridlepath and Saddlebrook area should immediately shelter in place. Anyone in the Pleasant Plains and Country Club area is temporarily blocked off. Source
• Two additional witnesses spot Drummond in the woods and contact police,. Authorities already converge on the area.
• 9:15 AM Austin Drummond is now in law enforcement custody, after having been caught in Jackson.  Source
• 2:00 PM Celebration of Life for James Matthew Willson Source
• Media Instructions: Arraignment scheduled in Lake County, TN. Any requests for documents related to the case will need to be submitted to the General Sessions court clerk in Lake County: Jessica Avery, 731-253-7137.  Source

August 7, 2025

• 8:15 AM: Austin Drummond appeared in court, judge ordered no bond. Judge Andrew Cook entered a not guilty plea on behalf of Drummond due to Drummond not having an attorney at this time. Prosecutors announced they would seek the death penalty. Hearing:  Source
• Drummond said he was self-employed, owned a vehicle, but had limited resources.
• Judge Cook determined, based on his responses, that he qualified for a court appointed attorney.
• Attorney Brian Huffman, from Covington, was appointed as his counsel.
• Dearrah Denise Sanders appeared in court judge ordered no bond, and an order of protection was issued for the victims’ family. Sanders is prohibited from contacting them. Her next court date is August 14, 2025.
• Brandon Powell: He is charged with conspiring with Austin Drummond to introduce contraband into a penal institution via a drone. He is reportedly in the process of hiring an attorney. The state has suggested a $75,000 bond for his release. His case has been continued to Monday, August 11, 2025. He has a separate hold in Crockett County, Tennessee, and will face charges there as well.

August 14, 2025

• 9:00 AM: Drummond’s next court appearance will be in Lake County Circuit Court

August 25, 2025 – Court Hearing – Bond Revocation (Prior Charges) Source

• Bond review hearing regarding charges Austin Drummond faced before the July 29 quadruple homicide in Lake County.
• Outcome: Bond revoked. No new bail was set.

Key Details:

• The hearing was brief. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) called only one witness: TBI Special Agent Matt Harber.
• Agent Harber read newly filed charges against Drummond (not related to the homicides).

Prosecutors argued:

• Drummond killed four people in the early hours of July 29.
• He then left the scene, returned, and later traveled to Madison County.
• He remained at large for 7 days before surveillance and tips helped identify him.
• Surveillance video from Cornerstone Community Church in Jackson (captured on August 3) showed Drummond holding an AR-style pistol.
• Witnesses later tied that specific weapon to him.
• Police recovered both the AR-style weapon and a handgun linked to him.
• Cell phone location data also placed Drummond at the murder scene.
• The defense challenged the prosecution’s claims, asking for proof of possession and timeline. However, they presented no contradictory evidence.

The judge ruled in favor of the state, determining that:

• Drummond committed attempted burglary.
• He unlawfully possessed firearms as a convicted felon.

September 2, 2025

• A Madison County Grand Jury returned indictments on September 2, 2025, in connection to the July 29 murders of James M. Wilson, Adrianna Williams, Cortney Rose, and Braydon Williams in Tiptonville.
• Austin Drummond, the primary suspect, was captured in Jackson on August 5 after being on the run for seven days.
• Both Drummond and additional defendants were booked into the Madison County Jail following the indictments.
• Others Charged
• Tanaka Brown (29)
• Giovontie Thomas (29)
• Dearrah Sanders (23)
• Others named: Wise and Ovelis

September 4, 2025

• Judge found probable cause for:
• First-degree murder of Adrianna Williams (20), Matthew Wilson (21), Cortney Rose (38), and Braydon Williams (15).
• Aggravated kidnapping.
• Possession of a firearm with intent to go armed during a dangerous felony.
• Charges not bound over: Being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
• Case set for Circuit Court on September 17, 2025, at 1 p.m.

Records

Austin Drummond appeared in Lake County court for his preliminary hearing. After testimony from five law enforcement officers, a judge found probable cause on four counts of first-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping, and firearm possession during a dangerous felony. Testimony centered on phone data, surveillance footage, and witness statements linking Drummond to the crime scene and post-crime movements. The judge denied a defense request to amend a no-contact order with Drummond’s girlfriend, Kaitlyn Speed, and granted the state’s motion for a gag order. The case was bound over to Circuit Court, with an arraignment date set for September 17, 2025.

Trial – Austin Drummond

Date: Thursday, September 4, 2025
Location: Lake County, Tennessee

1:05 p.m. – Court begins

• Judge opens the preliminary hearing.
• Prosecution announces it will call several witnesses; defense will not call any.

Vehicles and Cell Phone Data:

• Surveillance showed victims’ vehicles (Chevy, Dodge Charger, F-150) traveling to the crime scene.
• Red and white F-150 later found in Bikini Bottoms area, abandoned in a ravine.
• A cell phone purchased by 15-year-old Braydon Williams at Walmart the night before:
• First activated the morning of the murders.
• Last called Adrianna Williams at 7:01 a.m.
• Traveled from the crime scene → Bikini Bottoms → Jackson → Dyersburg → Friendship (where baby abandoned) → back to Jackson.
• Phone ended the day at **Drummond’s girlfriend Kaitlyn Speed’s apartment

Testimony Highlights

Prosecution Witnesses (5 total)

• 1:06 p.m. – First witness: Officer Cory Hussey (Park Ranger)
• Tennessee State Parks ranger patrolling Reelfoot Lake State Park on July 29, 2025.
• Observed three vehicles (Chevy, Dodge Charger, Nissan Rogue with California tag) parked on Carrington Road near Northwest Correctional Complex.
• When he turned around minutes later, the Nissan was gone.
• Noted the Charger’s trunk was open on first pass, closed on second.
• Identified photo of Nissan shown by prosecution.

     Cross-examination: Defense asked if he saw anyone near the vehicles — he did not.

• 1:15 p.m. – Second witness: Deputy Hunter Brady (Lake County Sheriff’s Office)
• Lake County Sheriff’s deputy, responded July 29 after reports of abandoned baby.
• Found Chevy and Dodge at Carrington Road.
• Noticed blood in Chevy, bloody shoe near trail, and eventually two sets of bodies covered by tarps.
• Multiple shell casings located.

Cross-examination:

• Brady confirmed two other officers arrived soon after, scene secured within minutes.
• He marked evidence but did not photograph or collect items.
• 1:22 p.m. – Defense finishes cross-exam of Brady
  
  
• 1:25 p.m. – Third witness: Detective Brandon Wheeler
• Dyersburg Police Department detective tasked with vehicle identification.
• Tracked Nissan Rogue on multiple cameras between 11:22 a.m. – 4 p.m. July 29.
• Vehicle photographed in Jackson at 11:22 a.m., in Dyersburg at 12:39 p.m., and again after 4 p.m.
• Later image showed vehicle dirtier; driver appeared to be Austin Drummond.

Cross-examination:

• Defense pressed Wheeler on photos; only one photo clearly showed the driver.
  
  
• 1:33 p.m. – Fourth witness: FBI Special Agent Scott Lawson (Safe Streets Task Force / Child Abduction Team)
• Member of Safe Streets Task Force and Child Abduction Team.
• Conducted cell phone toll and geolocation analysis.

Key points:

• Identified suspicious number activated morning of murders — phone bought night before at Walmart in Dyersburg by victim Braydon Williams (15).
• 7:01 a.m. – last victim call (to Adrianna Williams).
• 7:25 a.m. – suspect phone moving south with Wilson’s truck, placed at crime scene.
• Phone traveled to Bikini Bottoms, stayed until 9:04 a.m. (site where Wilson’s truck and ID later found).
• Phone then moved toward Jackson: Clarion Hotel → Cherry Grove Apartments (girlfriend Kaitlyn Speed’s residence).
• 11:55 a.m. – traveled toward Bells and Dyersburg.
• 1:04 p.m. – returned near crime scene; 1:38 p.m. moving south again.
• 2:32–2:35 p.m. – phone in Friendship, where baby was abandoned.
• 3:39 p.m. – phone back in Jackson; between 4:22–6:06 p.m. near Drummond’s parents’ home.
• 8:44 p.m. – phone disconnected permanently.

Cross-examination:

• Defense highlighted that cell tower arcs are not exact locations.
• Lawson admitted he did not process vehicles or scene directly.
  
  
• 1:56 p.m. – Fifth witness: TBI Special Agent Justin Tubbs
• Walked through Carrington Road crime scene with Detective Brady.
• Confirmed:
• Three victims shot in head.
• Matthew Wilson shot at least 11 times.
• Blood inside Chevy driven by Cortney Rose.
• Surveillance:
• 6:27 a.m. – Rose’s Chevy toward crime scene, trailed by Dodge Charger.
• 6:50 a.m. – Wilson’s red-and-white truck with two occupants toward scene.
• 7:25 a.m. – truck leaving scene with only one occupant.
• Truck later found abandoned in ravine at Bikini Bottoms.
• Brown confessed to picking Drummond up at Bikini Bottoms and helping rent Nissan.
• Nissan seen later dusty from gravel roads leading to scene.
• Brown’s girlfriend admitted renting vehicle for Drummond.
• Tubbs said Drummond admitted in media interview to being at scene.

Cross-examination:

• Tubbs said he did not process crime scene directly; multiple shell casings from different firearms.
• Confirmed fire department surveillance camera timestamp was 53 minutes slow.
• Acknowledged family told investigators victims might have been delivering contraband to prison, but no contraband recovered.
• 2:33 p.m. – Prosecution enters certifications of death
• 2:37 p.m. – State rests; no more witnesses
• 2:38 p.m. – Defense rests without calling witnesses
• 2:38 p.m. – State’s closing argument
• Phone evidence tied Drummond directly to movements of Nissan and crime scene.
• Brown and Thomas confirmed post-crime three-way call with Drummond.
• Drummond admitted abandoning baby.
• State: “No other person possible that it could have been other than Austin Drummond.”
• 2:46 p.m. – Defense closing argument
• No proof Drummond fired weapon or possessed Walmart phone at scene.
• Admitted Drummond had baby, but said prosecution failed to show he pulled trigger.
• 3:00 p.m. – Motion for gag order
• State requested gag order restricting officials from media/social media comments.
• Judge granted motion, citing need for fair trial.
• 3:02 p.m. – Judge’s remarks & ruling
• Addressed victims’ families, acknowledged difficult testimony.
• Clarified purpose was probable cause, not guilt determination.
• Found probable cause on four murders, aggravated kidnapping, firearm during felony.
• Dismissed charge of felon in possession of firearm.
• Set Circuit Court date for September 17, 2025, at 1 p.m.
• 3:06 p.m. – Motion on no-contact order
• Defense sought to lift order so Drummond could speak with girlfriend Kaitlyn Speed (sister/aunt of victims, pregnant with Drummond’s child).
• State opposed; Speed considered a likely witness.
• Judge denied amendment. Speed may communicate with Drummond’s family, but not with Drummond.
• 3:14 p.m. – Court adjourns

Summary:

Prosecution’s Argument

• Vehicles and Walmart phone link Drummond to scene.
• Multiple witnesses tied Drummond to Nissan and post-crime movements.
• Confessions from Brown and Thomas confirmed three-way call with Drummond after murders.
• State: “No other person possible” could have been in the Nissan with that phone.

Defense’s Argument

• Claimed no direct evidence that Drummond fired a weapon.
• Pointed out that cell tower data is imprecise.
• Emphasized no proof Drummond personally purchased Walmart phone.
• Did not dispute Drummond had the infant but denied evidence he fired shots.
• Called no witnesses.

Motions

• Gag Order: State requested to restrict social media/media comments by officials. Judge granted, citing need for fair trial.
• No-Contact Order:
• Defense asked to allow communication between Drummond and girlfriend Kaitlyn Speed (sister/aunt of victims, pregnant with Drummond’s child).
• Judge denied amendment, ruling Speed is likely a witness. She may communicate with Drummond’s family, but not with him.

Closing Remarks

• Judge reminded families this was not a trial but only a probable cause determination.
• Expressed condolences and said they would be in his prayers.
• Adjourned court at 3:14 p.m.

Probable Cause Ruling

• Judge found probable cause for:
• First-degree murder of Adrianna Williams (20), Matthew Wilson (21), Cortney Rose (38), and Braydon Williams (15).
• Aggravated kidnapping.
• Possession of a firearm with intent to go armed during a dangerous felony.
• Charges not bound over: Being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
• Case set for Circuit Court on September 17, 2025, at 1 p.m.

6:27 a.m. – Chevy & Dodge Charger

• Cortney Rose’s Chevy drives toward Carrington Road (crime scene).
• A black Dodge Charger (associated with Braydon Williams) follows closely behind.

6:50 a.m. – Red & White Ford F-150

• Matthew Wilson’s truck, with two occupants, heads toward Carrington Road about 20 minutes later.

7:25 a.m. – Ford F-150 Leaving

• The truck leaves the scene. Now appears to have only one occupant.
• At this same time, a three-way call begins with Drummond, Giovonte Thomas, and Tanaka Brown.

Morning – Vehicles Discovered

• Later that day, Deputy Brady finds the Chevy and Dodge abandoned at Carrington Road.
• Blood is seen in the Chevy. Two sets of victims’ bodies are discovered under tarps near the vehicles.

Bikini Bottoms (later in morning)

• Wilson’s red & white F-150 is found down a ravine in the Bikini Bottoms area.
• Wilson’s ID is recovered in the same area.

10–11 a.m. – Nissan Rogue Rental

• A Nissan Rogue with California plates is picked up in Jackson, rented on Drummond’s behalf by Brown’s girlfriend.
• Witnesses place Brown with Drummond when the vehicle is collected.

11:22 a.m. – Nissan on Camera

• Nissan spotted in Jackson.
• Vehicle later seen on Dyersburg cameras around 12:39 p.m.

1:00–1:15 p.m. – Nissan Near Crime Scene

• Nissan appears in the Carrington Road area near the correctional complex.
• Park ranger testifies he saw three cars: Chevy, Dodge Charger, and Nissan.

1:23 p.m. – Nissan Heading Back Toward Jackson

• Surveillance shows the Nissan leaving the area.

2:15–2:35 p.m. – Nissan in Friendship

• Nissan passes cameras near Dyersburg.
• Around 2:35 p.m., baby is abandoned in Friendship.

3:39 p.m. – Nissan Back in Jackson

• Vehicle returns to Jackson, later located near Drummond’s parents’ house and girlfriend’s apartment.

About Austin Drummond

Name: Austin Robert Drummond
Aliases: Austin Drummond, Austin R. Drummond, Robert Austin
Date of Birth: August 31, 1996
Place of Birth: Rhode Island (RI)
Sex: Male | Race: White
Height/Weight: 5’10”, 200 lbs
Eye/Hair Color: Blue / Brown

Early Life & Family Background

• Born in Rhode Island, but raised for most of his life in Jackson, Tennessee.
• Prior to his juvenile arrests, he lived at the family home at 6 Lynchburg Cove, Jackson, with his parents and twin siblings.
• Father: Employed as an exterminator.
• Mother: Homemaker, not employed outside the home.
• Siblings: Twin brother and sister, both students at North Side High School in Jackson.

Juvenile Record & Early Offenses

• Began offending at age 12 with shoplifting.
• Multiple arrests during adolescence for burglary attempts, drug possession, assaults, and theft.
• Frequently ran away from home and juvenile facilities; displayed assaultive and defiant behavior.
• Committed to the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services in 2013 after repeated failed placements.

Austin Drummond – Criminal History Timeline  Source

October 17, 2009 (age 12)

• Shoplifted Axe deodorant, Axe body scrub, and a laser light from Walgreens.
• Confronted by police, surrendered items, and paid $5.99 restitution.

February 6, 2011 (age 14)

• Spotted hitting the window of a high school concession stand.
• Tried to flee but was caught after being found on the roof.
• Charged with criminal attempt to commit burglary and evading arrest.
• Pled guilty; sentenced to 24 hours of community service.

February 16, 2012

• Cut screen of window and left while under house arrest.
• Arrested upon return with a marijuana grinder in his pocket.
• Charged with domestic vandalism and possession of drug paraphernalia.

March 1, 2012 (age 15)

• Juvenile officer petitioned court citing repeated violations of ankle monitor restrictions.
• Charged with violating a court order.
• Sent to Youth Challenge program.

July 16, 2012

• Broke into Kroger cash box, stole $300, and fled.
• Charged with theft of property and vandalism.

August 20, 2012

• Assaulted his brother by choking him.
• Fled officers, later found hiding in a storage unit.
• Taken into custody.

March 12, 2013

• Reported for vehicle burglary with another male.
• Fled officers, ran into woods, caught and charged with resisting stop, halt, and frisk.

March 31, 2013

• Restaurant employee reported him smoking marijuana.
• Fled police, later found hiding in a dumpster.
• Charged with possession with intent and resisting arrest.

June 6, 2013

• Judge Christ Little committed Drummond to the Department of Children’s Services.
• Determined delinquent after repeated offenses, failed counseling, and multiple facility placements.

July 2013

• Austin Drammond then-16-year-old robbed a Circle K convenience store in Jackson just after midnight. Drummond pulled out a pistol, pointed it at a store employee and demanded the money in the cash register, according to court documents. He made off with about $45, but investigators matched a fingerprint left on the scene to Drummond, court documents say.

October 6, 2014 

• Sentenced to 10 years for Aggravated Robbery. Location: Bledsoe County Correctional Complex, Tennessee
• After the trial, an incarcerated Drummond called his father and made threats against the jurors and the robbery victim, District Attorney Jody S. Pickens, who serves an area including Madison County.

2015

• Drummond pleaded guilty to several counts of retaliation for past action and was sentenced to a further three years in prison, according to Pickens and court records.

May 25, 2016

• Appeal Denied  Source

July 21, 2023:

• While incarcerated, Drummond faces charges of possessing contraband, including methamphetamine and a handgun.

July 23, 2020: 

• Drummond was scheduled for a parole hearing on July 23, 2020, but Pickens’ office sent a letter to the Tennessee Board of Parole saying it strongly opposed parole, calling Drummond a “dangerous felony offender.” He did not receive parole then, but was released September 2024 from Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville after serving mandated portions of his sentence, according to Goodman, the district attorney for Dyer and Lake counties.

August 29, 2023:

• Drummond is charged with attempted first-degree murder, also stemming from an incident while he was still in prison.

September 1, 2024 Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff’s Office (TN0480000) Charges (Cycle 003):

• Possession of Handgun by a Convicted Felon
• Possession of Schedule II (Methamphetamine)
• Possession of Schedule VI (Manufacture, Delivery, Sale)
• Contraband into Penal Facility (twice — general and with intoxicant/drugs)

September 2024:

• Austin Drummond is released from prison after serving a 10-year sentence for aggravated robbery and retaliation.

October 20, 2024

• Possession of Meth and Telecommunication Devices in Penal Facility

December 12, 2024 

• Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff’s Office (TN0480000) Charges (Cycle 002):
• Attempted First Degree Murder co-conspirator Andre Bernard Brown Source
• Contraband in Penal Facility

February 25, 2025 

• Arresting Agency: Tennessee Department of Correction Internal Affairs (TN0198500) Charges (Cycle 001, matching Oct 20, 2024, incident):
• Methamphetamine (300+ grams)
• Marijuana/Hash (1/2 oz to 10 lbs)
• Unlawful Telecommunication Devices in Penal Facility
• Contraband in Penal Facility

July 31, 2025:

• The TBI identifies Austin Drummond as a suspect in the homicides and issues an alert for his arrest.

August 1, 2025: 

• The TBI and the U.S. Marshals Service offer a $15,000 reward for information leading to Drummond’s arrest and conviction.

Incarceration History

• At age 16, Drummond committed an armed robbery at a Circle K in Jackson (July 2013), stealing approximately $44 at gunpoint. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison and received an additional 3-year enhancement after threatening the store clerk and jurors.
• Incarceration included over two dozen disciplinary violations, such as possession of deadly weapon, assault, refusing drug tests, and gang-related activity.
• Released on September 1, 2024, after 13 years incarcerated.

Parole & Pre‑Violation

• At the time of the murders, Drummond was out on bond, having faced prior violent offense charges including an attempted murder while in prison.

Behavioral & Gang Links

• He reportedly made violent threats from prison, telling involved parties they would “regret” their role, and had alleged connections to the Vice Lords gang.
• Drummond is a “confirmed” member of the Vice Lords street gang, one of the largest and most violent prison gangs in the U.S.

Murder

• July 29, 2025: The bodies of Matthew Wilson, 21, Adrianna Williams, 20, Courtney Rose, 38, and Braydon Williams, 15, were discovered on July 29 in Tiptonville just hours after Wilson and Williams’s infant daughter was found abandoned 40 miles away in Tigrett.

Charges against Drummond

• Authorities have obtained warrants charging Austin Robert Drummond with:
• 4 counts of first‑degree murder
• 1 count of aggravated kidnapping
• 4 counts of felon in possession of a firearm
• 1 count of possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony

Co‑Defendants Charged

Three individuals have been arrested and charged with accessory after the fact to first-degree murder:

• Tanaka Brown (age 29) – additionally charged with evidence tampering
• Giovonte Thomas (29)
• Dearrah (Derrah) Sanders (23)
• Eric Wise, Jr. (DOB 7/21/1999)
• Michell Ovelis (DOB 12/13/1993). 

Investigation Status

• The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) is leading the case. – AA federal complaint was filed by U.S. Marshals indicating that Drummond may have crossed state lines, triggering a multi‑agency search.
• Law enforcement warns the public that Drummond is armed and extremely dangerous and urges no civilian confrontation.