Authorities in Tennessee are searching for a man, 28-year-old Austin Robert Drummond, suspected of murdering four family members. The victims, identified as James M. Wilson (21), Adrianna Williams (20), Cortney Rose (38), and Braydon Williams (15), were discovered on Tuesday in Tiptonville, Lake County. This grim discovery came just hours after the baby daughter of Wilson and Adrianna was found abandoned in a car seat in a front yard in Tigrett, roughly 64 kilometres (40 miles) away.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) has not disclosed the reason for naming Drummond as a suspect or the motive behind the murders, nor why the baby was left so far from where the bodies were found. Rose, the baby’s grandmother, and Braydon, the baby’s uncle, were part of the deceased. District Attorney Danny Goodman stated that all victims were linked to the baby, who is approximately seven months old, and emphasized that the suspect likely had personal connections to them.
Drummond is facing serious charges, including four counts of first-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping, and charges related to firearm possession. As he is considered armed and dangerous, warrants have been issued for his arrest, and authorities are offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to his capture.
The investigation was initiated on Tuesday after a 911 call about the abandoned baby prompted authorities to seek a “dark-coloured minivan or a white mid-size SUV” that was seen leaving the site. Conditions were severe, with a heat index of 46 degrees Celsius reported at the time the baby was found.
Although details regarding the cause of death for the victims or specific circumstances surrounding their discovery remain scarce, Sheriff Jeff Box expressed deep concern for the community’s wellbeing and commitment to seeking justice. The TBI has indicated that multiple agencies, including the FBI and US Marshals, are collaborating in the investigation to resolve this troubling case.