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NORTH JACKSON, Tenn. (BFMG) — A man wanted in connection with a brutal quadruple homicide in Lake County has been captured, officials announced Tuesday, marking the end of a days-long manhunt that spanned multiple counties and involved numerous law enforcement agencies.
During a Jackson City Council meeting on Aug. 5, Mayor Scott Conger confirmed the arrest of 28-year-old Austin Robert Drummond, the suspect accused of killing four members of a Lake County family. The Dyer County Sheriff’s Office soon followed with a public statement, confirming that Drummond had been apprehended by U.S. Marshals.
“This would not have been achieved without the tireless work and dedication of our local, state, and federal partners,” said Dyer County Sheriff Jeff Box. “Our focus now shifts to honoring the lives lost and supporting their grieving families.”
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) is leading the investigation, which began on July 29 after deputies responded to a report of a child found alone in a car seat on a stranger’s lawn in the Tigrett area. The infant was determined to be unharmed.
Roughly 30 minutes later, authorities identified the child’s next of kin and began searching for the family. Later that evening, four bodies were discovered along Carrington Road in Tiptonville. The victims were later identified as:
- Braydon Williams, 15
- Adrianna Williams, 20
- James M. Wilson, 21
- Cortney Rose, 38
Adrianna and James were the parents of the infant, while Braydon was the baby’s uncle and Cortney the maternal grandmother.
Officials say Drummond knew the victims. He had previously been romantically involved with Cortney Rose’s half-sister, though the status of their relationship is unclear.
Manhunt and Capture
Following the discovery of the victims, authorities launched an intense manhunt. On Aug. 1, Drummond’s vehicle was recovered in North Jackson along MCO Road, just before a TBI press conference.
Despite the discovery, Drummond remained at large, prompting a shelter-in-place advisory early Tuesday morning for residents near White Oak, Bridlepath, Saddlebook, and Pipkin. Shortly after, officials announced his capture.
“This marks an important step in restoring safety to our community,” said Jackson Police Chief Thom Corley. “Thank you to our partners at all levels—including TBI, FBI, U.S. Marshals, and THP—for their dedication in this case.”
A $15,000 reward had been offered for information leading to Drummond’s arrest.
Drummond’s Criminal Background
Drummond has a violent criminal history. He was scheduled to appear in court later this month on several charges, including possession of meth, contraband in a penal facility, and possession of a handgun by a convicted felon. In 2013, he was convicted of robbing a convenience store at gunpoint and sentenced to 13 years in prison. During his incarceration, he racked up over two dozen disciplinary infractions, including for drugs and weapons.
In 2020, Drummond was denied early parole after strong opposition from prosecutors, including District Attorney Jody Pickens.
Two Others Charged in Connection
While Drummond was still at large, two Jackson men were arrested and charged with accessory after the fact to first-degree murder:
- Tanaka Brown, 29, arrested Friday, remains in Lake County Jail without bond. He now also faces a tampering with evidence charge.
- Giovonte Thomas, 29, was arrested Saturday while being held in Madison County on an unrelated charge. He will be transferred to Lake County.
Investigation Ongoing
The 1988 white Ford truck linked to the case was located in Dyer County. Authorities are still seeking surveillance footage or tips from the public that could aid the investigation. Anyone with information is urged to contact the TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND.
The Dyer County Sheriff’s Office continues to urge respect for the privacy of the victims’ families as they grieve.
