Arrest Made in Shocking Quadruple Murder Case in Tennessee
A man has been apprehended in rural Tennessee after a week-long manhunt related to a horrific quadruple homicide. Austin Robert Drummond, 28, is accused of fatally shooting four members of his girlfriend’s family and abandoning their infant in front of a stranger’s residence.
Incident Details
The dramatic search for Drummond concluded early on Tuesday morning when local law enforcement spotted him in Jackson, Tennessee. In a bid to ensure residents’ safety, authorities had initiated a shelter-in-place order, advising locals to secure their homes.
Jackson Police Chief Thom Corley emphasized the importance of Drummond’s capture in restoring peace to the community, stating, “This arrest marks an important step in restoring safety to our community.”
Timeline of Events
The series of events began on July 29 when a baby was discovered in a car seat left outside a home in Tigrett, Tennessee, leading officials to search for the child’s parents. Authorities soon uncovered the bodies of the baby’s family approximately 40 miles away in Tiptonville, prompting a statewide manhunt.
Upon capturing Drummond, law enforcement revealed that the killings were targeted specifically at members of his girlfriend’s family. Among the deceased are:
| Victim Name | Age |
|---|---|
| James M. Wilson | 21 |
| Adrianna Williams | 20 |
| Cortney Rose | 38 |
| Braydon Williams | 15 |
The baby who was left alone has been located and is receiving appropriate care. Authorities have arrested three additional individuals on charges of aiding Drummond following the tragic incident.
Charges and History
In the aftermath of the capture, Drummond faces numerous charges including:
- Four counts of first-degree murder
- One count of aggravated kidnapping
- Four counts of felon in possession of a firearm
- One count of possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony
Drummond’s criminal history includes a 2013 conviction for armed robbery, for which he served 13 years before being released in September 2024. Concerns about his behavior and risk to society were previously raised by a district attorney.
Community Impact
The murders have sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting issues surrounding safety and family violence. The response from law enforcement has been swift, underscoring the importance of protecting the vulnerable and bringing justice to the victims.
As investigations continue, the community reflects on the tragedy that has unfolded and hopes for healing in the wake of such devastating events.
