RECAP: How the Drummond case began and what led to his arrest
JACKSON, Tenn. — A heartbreaking tragedy that unfolded in Lake County left many residents on edge. Then, a week into the investigation, the man believed to be responsible was captured.
How it began
On July 29, the Dyer County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of an abandoned baby along Old Highway 20 near the Tigrett area. The child, later identified as Weslynne, was found safe.
When authorities tried to contact next of kin, four bodies were discovered in Lake County.
“The victims were discovered on Tuesday, July 29, in a wooded area along Carrington Road in Tiptonville,” said TBI Director David Rausch.
The victims were later identified as Braydon Williams, 15; Adrianna Williams, 20; James M. Wilson, 21; and Cortney Rose, 38, all of whom are Weslynne’s relatives.
A Facebook post shows photos of Adrianna (TL), James (TR), Cortney (BL) and Braydon (BR).
“This tragic, violent, and heartbreaking event has shocked this community, has certainly concerned neighbors, and with the type of crime has people scared in their homes,” said Rausch.
Drummond named as a suspect
On July 31, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation identified Austin Robert Drummond as a suspect.
Drummond was recently released from prison in 2024 and was a confirmed member of the Vice Lords gang. He served 13 years for robbing a convenience store at 17.
When he was incarcerated, he accumulated 25 disciplinary actions.
District Attorney Jody Pickens released a statement strongly opposing Drummond’s release on parole stating, he “has no desire for rehabilitation and is not capable of living among society.”
At last, police apprehend Drummond
After a week on-the-run, authorities were able to successfully apprehend him in Jackson thanks to tipsters in the area.
“We thought he may try to run and his history has shown he has left the state before, and so, we were concerned about that, but we had a lot of confidence in the information that we were getting, the intelligence that we were getting,” said Rausch.
After Drummond’s arrest, law enforcement officials addressed the public at a press conference, where they expressed gratitude for the community’s help in locating the suspect.
“Our hearts go out to each of these families. We can not begin to imagine the depth of your pain, the weight of your grief, or the heartbreak of what you are now facing,” said Dyer County Sheriff Jeff Box.
According to the Associated Press, Drummond was out on bond for attempted murder at the time of the quadruple murders occurred. He now faces 4 counts of first degree murder, one count of aggravated kidnapping, and several weapons charges.
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