State seeking death penalty for Drummond in quadruple homicide case
TIPTONVILLE, Tenn. — There is new information in the case of Austin Drummond, the man accused of killing four family members in Lake County and abandoning a baby at a random house.
We are learning today how the victims died and that the state is seeking the death penalty in this case.
Drummond faced the court Thursday morning to address charges including four counts of first-degree murder, one count of aggravated kidnapping, and multiple firearm offenses.
The charges stem from the deaths of Matthew Wilson, Adrianna Williams, Cortney Rose, and Braydon Williams, as well as the kidnapping of an infant, who was later abandoned.
A Facebook post shows photos of Adrianna (TL), James (TR), Cortney (BL) and Braydon (BR).
An affidavit alleges it was premeditated and the victims were shot to death. Judge Andrew Cook entered a plea of not guilty on Drummond’s behalf due to the fact he does not have a lawyer.
He was appointed an attorney, Bryan Huffman, out of Covington, Tennessee.
The state is seeking the death penalty in this case and requested for Drummond to be held without bond.
Arraignment for those allegedly connected to Drummond
Two other people allegedly involved with Drummond, Brenden Powell and Dearrah Sanders, were also arraigned Thursday.
Powell is charged with possession of schedule six drugs and criminal conspiracy.
“It’s alleged on the 18th of June, Mr. Powell traveled to Lake County Tennessee with Mr. Austin Drummond with the intention of delivering marijuana, tobacco and an ear piercing kit to an inmate at the local prison in Tiptonville, Tennessee. Mr. Drummond identified Mr. Powell as the driver of the trail car assisting with the delivery,” said Judge Cook.
Powell has until Monday to get an attorney or post a $75,000 bond. Powell has previous drug charges and is currently on probation for a prior felony conviction.
His court appearance was continued to Monday, August 11 at 9 a.m.
Sanders appeared Thursday with her attorney.
“Since you have retained miss cash, we are going to put your matter for a source hearing,” said Judge Cook.
In Tennessee, a source hearing is a legal proceeding to verify the legitimacy of funds used to post bail, these hearings are held to ensure the money isn’t connected to illegal activities. Conditions of her bond were discussed, but no bond was set.
The three individuals are set to be back in court August 14.
SEE ALSO: WBBJ obtains affidavits revealing more details in quadruple homicide case
A restraining order is effective immediately against Drummond and Sanders for the victims’ families.
SEE THE FULL COURT HEARING AND PREVIOUS COVERAGE:
- FULL VIDEO: Murder suspect Austin Drummond appears in court
- Report details Drummond’s history of violence
- WATCH: Victim’s parents speak out after Drummond’s arraignment
For more local crime coverage, click here.
