Ongoing manhunt for the suspect linked to the quadruple murder in Tennessee, unveiling key details about the individual
In a shocking turn of events, Austin Robert Drummond, a 28-year-old man, has been captured by authorities in connection with the murder of four family members in Tennessee. The victims, James Matthew Wilson (21), Adriana Williams (20), Cortney Rose (38), and Braydon Williams (15), were found in a wooded area in Tiptonville, Lake County, on July 29, 2025.
The U.S. Marshals Service has identified Drummond as the primary suspect in these murders. He is charged with four counts of first-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping, and multiple firearm-related felonies in connection with these killings. The bodies of Wilson, Adriana Williams, and two other family members were discovered along Carrington Road in Tiptonville.
Drummond had been on the run for a week following the murders, during which he was considered armed and dangerous. He was placed on Tennessee's Most Wanted list and was eventually captured on August 6, 2025, in Jackson, Tennessee.
Investigators located two vehicles associated with Drummond: a white 1988 Ford pickup with red side panels in Dyer County, and a white 2016 Audi A3 in Jackson. Tanaka Brown and Giovontie Thomas, associates of Drummond, were also arrested on suspicion of helping him, with Brown also charged with tampering with evidence. Dearrah Sanders was arrested on a charge of accessory after the fact to first-degree murder.
Authorities have not disclosed the cause of death for the victims. TBI Director David B. Rausch has confirmed a "familial relationship" between Drummond and the family, but no further details have been provided. A relative of the victims stated on Facebook that Drummond had dated one of Rose's sisters. However, it was also mentioned that Drummond had been "nothing short of amazing" to them and their children.
The abandoned baby, who is the child of Wilson and Adriana Williams, was found in a car seat in a random individual's front yard shortly after the killings. The search for Drummond, who is considered armed and dangerous, is ongoing in western Tennessee. A combined reward of $32,500 for information leading to Drummond's arrest has been offered by local, state, and federal authorities.
Drummond's background includes a prior prison term with charges involving drugs and an attempted murder occurring while in prison. He had been released around September 2024 but was out on bond related to those charges at the time of the murders.
Investigations are ongoing to uncover the motive behind these tragic events. The Dyer County Sheriff's Office is interested in speaking with Cortney Rose, Adriana Williams, and James Matthew Wilson. The community is advised to exercise extra caution and secure their homes during this time.
- The general-news coverage of the captured murder suspect, Austin Robert Drummond, has raised questions about the safety measures in place for convicted criminals released from prison, as Drummond had a prior prison term for drug charges and attempted murder.
- As the crime-and-justice drama unfolds, political discussions are emerging about the handling of dangerous criminals like Drummond, who was out on bond for previous charges at the time of the murders of four family members in Tennessee.
