Tennessee To Seek Death Penalty For Quadruple Murder Suspect Austin Drummond

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The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –

As more details have been released regarding the way four family members were murdered at the end of July, the state of Tennessee has announced its intent to seek the death penalty for primary suspect Austin Drummond.

Drummond, 28, was apprehended after a weeklong manhunt on August 5, wanted on four counts of first-degree murder, four counts of possessing a firearm as a felon, one count of possessing a firearm during a dangerous felony, and kidnapping and abandonment charges in connection with the quadruple homicide in Lake County on July 29.

He virtually appeared in court for arraignment on Aug. 7 where Lake County General Sessions Judge Andrew Cook entered a “not guilty” plea on his behalf and ruled him indigent, assigning him a court-appointed attorney. The judge also ordered Drummond to be held without bond as it is a capital case.

District Attorney Danny Goodman informed the court that the state intends to seek the death penalty for the case while Drummond told the judge he operates a business and wants a speedy trial. 

Drummond stands accused of killing the parents, both in their early 20s, the 15-year-old uncle, and 38-year-old grandmother of an infant found abandoned in a stranger’s yard in Tiptonville last week. 

The grandmother was reportedly the sister of Drummond’s girlfriend, and the baby was supposedly kidnapped after the murders, then abandoned approximately 30 minutes away from the crime scene, leading authorities to conclude it was a targeted attack.

It has now been revealed that the four victims were found dead from gunshot wounds when a relative, who had not seen any of the victims since the night prior, called 911 after they found two abandoned cars in a remote area. The bodies were discovered in nearby woods.

Authorities have also arrested three accomplices of Drummond’s, all charged with accessory after the fact to first-degree murder, though law enforcement reports have not yet detailed the specifics on how they assisted Drummond. One associate is also charged with evidence tampering. 

This is not Drummond’s first run in with the law as he previously served a 10-year prison sentence after holding up a gas station at gunpoint and threatening jurors. He was also charged with attempted murder while behind bars and was out on bond for those indictments at the time of the murders.

He is due back in court August 14 at 9 a.m.

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.