LAKE COUNTY – Special agents from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, in coordination with a variety of local, state, and federal authorities, have arrested Austin Robert Drummond, the suspect charged in connection with a quadruple homicide in Tiptonville, TN. The small Lake County community in West Tennessee has fewer than 3,000 residents and is home to Reelfoot Lake.
TBI agents obtained warrants for 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. Information confirming his arrest came from the Jackson Police Department at about 9:15 a.m. on Tuesday morning (08/05/2025).
Looking back to what sparked the investigation and ensuing manhunt for Drummond, authorities report that a baby girl was found abandoned in the front yard of a home in the Lake County area. The newborn was still in her car seat when located. Shortly after the discovery of the infant, investigators located the child’s mother, father, grandmother, and uncle—all deceased—about 40 miles away in another county.
Lake and Dyer County District Attorney General Danny Goodman confirmed the identities of the four deceased persons as 21-year-old James M. Wilson, the father of the newborn; 20-year-old Adrianna Williams, the baby’s mother; 38-year-old Cortney Rose, the child’s maternal grandmother; and 15-year-old Braydon Williams, the uncle of the baby. The district attorney requested the assistance of the TBI shortly after the four family members were found dead.
Prior to his arrest being confirmed Tuesday morning, authorities reported that Drummond, who turns 29 on August 31st, was recorded on a citizen’s home camera system. At the time, police told residents that Drummond was considered armed and dangerous. Police also warned homeowners Monday evening to ensure all doors, sheds, barns, and garages were kept locked and secured to prevent unauthorized access.
Before Tuesday’s announcement that Drummond was in custody, a total of three people had already been arrested in connection with the case, each charged with accessory after the fact to first-degree murder. Those arrested include 23-year-old Dearrah Sanders, 29-year-old Tanaka Brown, and 29-year-old Giovonte Thomas. So far, the TBI has not detailed what their specific involvement was in the deaths of the four family members.
Agencies working alongside the TBI in this case include the Tiptonville Police Department, the Lake County Sheriff’s Department, the Dyer County Sheriff’s Department, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, the Tennessee State Parks, the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the Jackson Police Department, the Crockett County Sheriff’s Department, the U.S. Marshals Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
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