Drummond accused of premeditated murder

TIPTONVILLE, Tenn. — Quadruple homicide suspect, Austin Drummond, appeared in Lake County Circuit Court Thursday morning in Tiptonville.

SEE ALSO:

• No bond set for Sanders in connection with Lake Co homicides
• Judges orders $75K bond for Powell
• WBBJ obtains affidavits revealing more details in quadruple homicide case
• WATCH: Victim’s parents speak out after Drummond’s arraignment
• Report details Drummond’s history of violence

According to the reading of the affidavit and charges, it is said that Drummond did these crimes with premeditation.

Judge Andrew Cook entered a not guilty plea on behalf of Drummond due to Drummond not having an attorney at this time. Prosecutors announced they would seek the death penalty.

Drummond told the court he did not have the means to hire an attorney. Judge Cook asked Drummond a series of questions to determine his qualifications for indigency in order to be able to be assigned a defense attorney.

Drummond said he was self-employed, owned a vehicle, but had limited resources in a bank account. Judge Cook determined, based on his responses, that he qualified for a court appointed attorney.

Attorney Brian Huffman, from Covington, was appointed as his counsel.

📸: Jackson Police Department photo of Drummond’s capture (August 5, 2025)

Due to him facing capital offenses, Drummond will be held without bond and in the custody of Lake County Sheriff’s Department.

He was also given a non contact order and restraining order preventing him from having any contact with any of the victim’s family members or with the infant that was left in the resident’s yard.

Drummond’s next court appearance will be August 14 at 9 a.m. in Lake County Circuit Court.

Catch up on our coverage of Drummond’s arrest and the aftermath below:

• Austin Drummond has been captured
• ‘It was a morning to remember’: Residents recall Austin Drummond’s arrest
• Community expresses relief after week-long manhunt for Drummond ends
• Man who reported Drummond sighting, leading to arrest, speaks to WBBJ
• RECAP: Law enforcement holds press conference after capturing Drummond

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