Arrest After Weeklong Manhunt
Austin Robert Drummond, 28, was apprehended on August 5, 2025, in a wooded area of Jackson, Tennessee, following a weeklong manhunt. His arrest came after residents reported sightings, ending the search for the suspect in the murders of four relatives of a 7-month-old baby found abandoned in Dyer County. Drummond faces charges including four counts of first-degree murder and aggravated kidnapping.
Criminal Background and Charges
Drummond, a convicted felon, was out on bond for an attempted murder charge from his time in prison when the killings occurred. His criminal history includes a 2014 aggravated robbery conviction for holding up a Circle K store at 16, resulting in a 10-year sentence. He later pleaded guilty in 2015 to retaliation threats, adding three years. Released in September 2024, he faced new charges, including drug offenses and attempted murder.
Connection to Victims
The victims—James M. Wilson, 21; Adrianna Williams, 20; Cortney Rose, 38; and Braydon Williams, 15, were the baby’s parents, grandmother, and uncle, respectively. Drummond was dating Rose’s sister, a former corrections officer at Northwest Correctional Complex, where he was incarcerated. Authorities believe Drummond knew the victims, though the motive for the killings remains unclear.
Alleged Gang Ties and Accomplices
Investigators suspect Drummond has ties to the Vice Lords gang, known for violent crimes, and may have received help from its members. Three others, Dearrah Sanders, Tanaka Brown, and Giovontie Thomas, were arrested as accessories after the fact, with Brown also charged with tampering with evidence. Their specific actions remain undisclosed.
Investigation and Community Impact
The case began when the baby was found abandoned in Tigrett on July 29, followed by the discovery of the four bodies in Tiptonville. Firearms were recovered during Drummond’s arrest, but their link to the killings is unconfirmed. The community, including Union University and Jackson Christian School, faced lockdowns during the manhunt. Drummond’s arraignment is set for August 7 in Lake County.
