A heartbreaking case in Tennessee has led to the arrest of two men and a massive manhunt for a suspected killer. Authorities say four family members—including the parents of an infant—were brutally murdered, while the baby was found alive in a car seat miles away. The main suspect, Austin Robert Drummond, remains on the run and is considered armed and dangerous.
Who Were the Victims?
The victims have been identified as:
James M. Wilson, 21
Adrianna Williams, 20
Cortney Rose, 38
Braydon Williams, 15
James and Adrianna were the baby’s parents. Cortney Rose was Adrianna and Braydon’s mother, making her the baby’s grandmother. All four were found dead in Tiptonville, Tennessee.
How Was the Baby Found?
Despite the tragedy, the infant miraculously survived. Authorities found the baby in a car seat, abandoned but safe, in the Tigrett area, about 40 miles from where the bodies were discovered. The baby is now in protective care, and officials have not released further details about the condition or circumstances in which the child was found.
Who Is the Suspect?
Police are actively searching for 28-year-old Austin Robert Drummond, who is charged with:
Four counts of first-degree murder
One count of aggravated kidnapping
Multiple weapons offenses
Investigators say Drummond had a relationship with the family and believe this was a targeted attack. His criminal history includes:
Robbing a convenience store
Threatening jurors
Attempted murder while in prison
Authorities warn that Drummond is armed and dangerous, and they urge the public not to approach him.
Who Was Arrested?
Two men have been arrested in connection with the killings:
Tanaka Brown, 29: Charged with accessory after the fact to first-degree murder and tampering with evidence.
Giovonte Thomas, 29: Charged with accessory after the fact to first-degree murder. Thomas was already in custody for a separate charge in Madison County and is being transferred to Lake County for the new charges.
Authorities have not yet revealed how these men allegedly helped Drummond or what role they played in the case.
Manhunt for Drummond Continues
A $17,500 reward is being offered for information that leads to Drummond’s arrest. On Friday, investigators found the 1988 white Ford pickup truck with a red stripe that Drummond was believed to be driving. The truck was discovered in Jackson, Tennessee, 70 miles from the crime scene and 40 miles from where the baby was found.
Law Enforcement’s Response
David Rausch, Director of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), called the murders a targeted act of violence. While many questions remain unanswered—such as the exact cause of death or how the baby survived—officials say their priority is capturing Drummond and ensuring the baby’s safety.
This devastating case has left a young child orphaned and a community in mourning. As authorities continue their search for Austin Robert Drummond, they are calling on the public to come forward with any information that could help bring justice to a family torn apart. In the meantime, the infant is being cared for, and investigators are working tirelessly to uncover the full truth behind this tragedy.
