Trial unlikely to begin anytime soon in quadruple homicide case, DA says

TIPTONVILLE, Tenn. — Austin Drummond appeared in Lake County General Sessions Court where his attorney, Bryan Huffman, requested a preliminary hearing. That hearing has been scheduled for September 4.

During Thursday’s proceedings, Huffman also made a notable request to lift a restraining order against Drummond’s girlfriend, Kaitlyn Speed, who is connected to the victims’ family. The court denied that request, keeping the restraining order in place.

The district attorney explained the reasoning behind opposing that request.

“I don’t know that she wants to have contact. I would need to hear that from her before I were to agree to do anything like that,” said 29th Judicial District Attorney General Danny Goodman.

Drummond’s lawyer provided an update on how his client is coping amid the serious charges.

“He’s holding up pretty well under the circumstances; of course they are keeping him separate for obvious reasons, especially since it’s a capital case,” said Huffman.

As for a motive, that remains a big question.

“We have some ideas, but nothing we can release at this time,” said Goodman.

Goodman estimates a year and a half or more until trial.

The suspects allegedly associated ‘after the fact’ in this case–Dearrah Sanders, Tanaka Brown and Branden Powell–have preliminary hearings set for September.

Sanders’ bond was reduced to $25,000 dollars.

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