Image Credit: TBI
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
What initially began as an investigation of an abandoned infant quickly escalated when the suspects were discovered to be connected to a quadruple homicide committed last week. Law enforcement has apprehended three individuals related to the case, but the primary suspect currently remains at large.
On July 29, authorities began an investigation after a witness reported an abandoned a baby in a car seat in a random stranger’s front yard near Old Highway 20 in the Tigrett area. After identifying the infant, it was determined the baby was connected to a crime scene in Lake County where four people were found dead.
A district attorney confirmed all four victims were family members of the baby and officials called leaving the infant in the yard a “sign of compassion” as those who left it brought attention to the baby before fleeing the scene. Authorities initially appealed to that “compassion” in an effort to convince the primary suspect, 28-year-old Austin Drummond, and an accomplice to turn themselves into law enforcement.
The four victims were the child’s parents, 20-year-old Adrianna Williams and 21-year-old Matthew Wilson; the baby’s uncle, 15-year-old Braydon Williams; and the maternal 38-year-old grandmother, Cortney Rose. According to an in-law’s social media post, primary suspect Austin Drummond previously dated Rose’s sister.
On Monday, Special Agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) announced they have arrested three individuals associated with fugitive Drummond, 23-year-old Derrah Sanders; 29-year-old Giovontie Thomas; and 29-year-old Tanaka Brown.
All are charged with Accessory After the Fact to First Degree Murder and Brown is also charged with Tampering with Evidence.
Drummond is charged with four counts for First Degree Murder, one count of Aggravated Kidnapping (of the baby), four counts of Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and one count of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Dangerous Felony, but Drummond’s lengthy criminal record doesn’t end there.
Reportedly, at the time he committed the four murders last week Drummond was out on bond for attempted murder and drug-related crimes while he was incarcerated at the Northwest Correctional Complex in Lake County for aggravated robbery.
He was released in September of 2024 upon completion of a 10-year sentence after being convicted in 2014 of holding up a gas station with a handgun at the age of 16 but was charged with the new crimes just two months later.
In 2020, 26th District Attorney General Jody Pickens wrote a letter to the Tennessee Board of Parole strongly opposing his early release on parole and stating Drummond “is a dangerous felony offender and confirmed member of the Vice Lords [street gang].”
Pickens also urged the board to consider Drummond’s prison behavior, referring to the “25 disciplinary actions against him that include refusing orders, drug possession, defiance, and being in possession of a deadly weapon. This type of behavior clearly demonstrates that Drummond has no desire for rehabilitation and is not capable of living among society.”
The manhunt for Drummond continues, utilizing helicopters, K-9 units, and SWAT teams, and U.S. Marshals have stated they believe he may have fled the state.
“Getting Austin Drummond in custody is a priority. Anyone with information about where we can find him should call us immediately. You will remain anonymous,” U.S. Marshal Tyreece Miller said in a statement last week.
The reward for information leading to Drummond’s arrest is $17,500 between the TBI and U.S. Marshals Service.
TBI notes that, “At the time of this release, Drummond remained at large. He should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information concerning his whereabouts is asked to call 731-415-7962, 731-333-0811, or 1-800-TBI-FIND.”
About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
