Arrest Made in Disturbing Quadruple Murder Case in Tennessee
A man believed to be responsible for the tragic murders of four individuals connected to his girlfriend was arrested in rural Tennessee after a week-long manhunt. The suspect, identified as Austin Robert Drummond, aged 28, was taken into custody following a sighting that led local authorities to issue an urgent shelter-in-place order in the vicinity of Jackson.
Drummond is accused of murdering the parents of an infant, along with the child’s grandmother and teenage uncle, and ultimately abandoning the baby in front of an unfamiliar house. Police Chief Thom Corley remarked that Drummond’s arrest is a significant milestone in ensuring the community’s safety.
Details of the Crime
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) characterized the killings as targeted, revealing that Drummond had a personal relationship with the family that fell victim to his violence. Reports indicate that at least one of his girlfriend’s sisters lost her life in this tragic incident, along with her mother. Specific details regarding the motive remain unclear.
The arrest came shortly after numerous citizens contacted authorities around 8:00 AM CDT on Tuesday, alerting them to Drummond’s presence. He was apprehended without incident at approximately 9:05 AM local time.
Timeline of Events
- July 29: An infant was discovered abandoned in a car seat outside a stranger’s residence in Tigrett, TN.
- Subsequently: Search efforts began for the parents of the child.
- Within days: The bodies of the infant’s parents, along with two other family members, were found about 40 miles away in Tiptonville.
- August 5: Drummond is arrested after a public tip-off.
Victims Identified
The victims of this horrific crime have been confirmed as:
| Name | Age |
|---|---|
| James M. Wilson | 21 |
| Adrianna Williams | 20 |
| Cortney Rose | 38 |
| Braydon Williams | 15 |
Ongoing Investigation
In addition to Drummond’s arrest, three additional suspects have been taken into custody, accused of providing assistance following the killings. Before his capture, Drummond was seen on security footage wielding a firearm while attempting to access a building.
A reward of $32,500 had been offered for information leading to his capture as authorities expedited their efforts to locate him. Drummond is now facing multiple charges, including four counts of first-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping, and several gun-related offenses. His criminal background includes a conviction for armed robbery, which led him to serve 13 years in prison until his release in September 2024.
This case serves as a grim reminder of the complexities surrounding domestic issues and violent crimes, raising concerns about community safety and the rehabilitation of offenders.
