Austin Robert Drummond, apprehended after a week-long manhunt, appeared via video link for his arraignment in Tiptonville, Tennessee, where he faces four counts of first-degree murder, alongside charges of aggravated kidnapping, firearm possession as a felon, and possession of a weapon during a felony. Drummond, 28, displayed no visible emotion as the charges were read by Judge Andrew T. Cook. The state intends to seek the death penalty, according to District Attorney Danny Goodman.
Due to the severity of the allegations, which include the murder of four individuals—James M. Wilson, Adrianna Williams, Cortney Rose, and Braydon Williams—Drummond was denied bond to ensure community safety. He has been assigned attorney Bryan Huffman for his upcoming hearing scheduled for August 14.
Drummond is a convicted felon with links to a violent gang and was reportedly out on bail for an attempted murder charge at the time of the recent killings. The victims, discovered on July 29, were found just hours after Drummond allegedly abandoned the infant daughter of Wilson and Adrianna in a car seat in a yard near Tigrett, approximately 40 miles from Tiptonville.
According to the complaint, Drummond is accused of kidnapping the child while armed, but further details about the incident have not been disclosed. Notably, Rose was the child’s maternal grandmother, and Braydon was the maternal uncle. Drummond’s girlfriend is related to Rose, highlighting complex familial ties.
His criminal history includes a 2014 conviction for aggravated robbery at the age of 16, with subsequent threats against a robbery victim leading to additional charges and years in prison. Released in September last year, he faced further charges for a drug arrest and attempted murder related to an incident involving another inmate shortly after his release.
Drummond’s bond for these earlier charges was in effect at the time the murders occurred, which has since been revoked by the court. Wilson’s mother, Kim Hamil, expressed her family’s devastation, stating they are focused on seeking justice while caring for the orphaned child. She conveyed the profound emotional toll on the family, stating, “It’s a whole family gone. It’s unbelievable. As a family, we’re just broken.”
As the case unfolds, authorities have not disclosed a motive or revealed how Drummond was identified as a suspect, but three other individuals have been charged with assisting him post-murder. This case, already marked by tragedy, continues to draw attention as community members seek answers and justice for the victims.