Jackson native, suspect in quadruple homicide added to TBI’s Most Wanted list
UPDATE (8/01/25): LISTEN: WBBJ obtains audio from Austin Drummond’s parole hearing
UPDATE (8/01/25): Murder suspect’s vehicle found in Jackson
LAKE COUNTY, Tenn. — A suspect has been identified in the quadruple homicide that occurred in Lake County.
He’s one of the newest additions to the TBI’s most wanted list.
On Thursday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation issued a public safety alert for a suspect wanted in connection with the deaths of four people in Lake County.
SEE ALSO: 4 found dead, infant left in stranger’s yard miles away. What we know so far
29-year-old Austin Robert Drummond is being charged with four counts of first degree murder, one count of aggravated kidnapping, four counts of felon in possession of a firearm, and one count of possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony.
Authorities with the TBI and U.S. Marshals Service are offering a combined reward of up to $15,000 for anyone with information that could lead to his arrest.
Drummond is a Jackson native with a violent criminal history. Exactly 12 years ago today, he robbed a convenience store at gunpoint when he was just 16.
SEE ALSO: Teen Can Be Tried as Adult in Armed Robbery, Kidnapping (October 2013)
He was on the run for almost a month when he was arrested in Daytona Beach, Florida. Drummond was charged as an adult and convicted of aggravated robbery.
He served a combined sentence of 13 years behind bars, and was recently released from prison in September of 2024.
According to District Attorney Danny Goodman, the suspect knew the victims.
A photo from Facebook shows a collage of the four victims: Braydon Williams (15), Cortney Rose (38), James M. Wilson (21) and Adrianna Williams (20).
Drummond was romantically involved with Courtney Rose’s half-sister. Though it is unclear if they are still involved.
We’ve reached out to one of Adrianna’s closest friends who shares fond memories of the time they spent together.
Saying “She always was sending me videos of Weslynne, she was so happy when she learned the word ‘mama.’ She was overall one of the best people to have as my best friend.”
Cortney Rose’s previous employer, Welch Packaging, released a statement highlighting “…her commitment, dedication, and warmth.” They went on to characterize her as a “bright light.”
At this time, Drummond remains at large and he should be considered armed and dangerous. Authorities say be on the lookout for a 2016 Audi A3 with license plate number R-I-O-1-8-9-6, with damage to the driver’s side.
If you spot him, do not approach. Call 9-1-1 or the TBI hotline at 1-800-TBI-FIND. Stay with us on-air and online as we continue to bring you updates.
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