RECAP: How the quadruple murder case unfolded, what we know about Drummond
JACKSON, Tenn. — In continuing coverage, we break down the timeline in the Lake County quadruple homicide case involving Austin Drummond, and what’s next.
From a brutal prison fight, to claims of innocence, here’s what we know so far.
Infant Found Alone; Four Shot Dead Miles Away
On July 29, a 7-month-old baby girl is discovered abandoned, but safe in a car seat in scorching heat on a stranger’s front lawn in the Tigrett area in Dyer County.
Later that day, authorities discover four bodies—shot to death—in a wooded area off Carrington Road in Tiptonville.
The victims are identified as the infant’s parents, 20-year-old Adrianna Williams and 21-year-old James ‘Matthew’ Wilson; her grandmother, 38-year-old Cortney Rose; and her 15-year-old uncle, Braydon Williams.
A Facebook post shows photos of Braydon (TL), Cortney (TR), James (BL), Adrianna (BR) and their child.
Investigators link the abandonment to the murders. The big question that circled around West Tennessee was: Who could do this to a family?
Investigators say Austin Drummond is the man responsible.
Drummond’s Violent Past
Before the murders, a pre-sentencing report our team obtained showed Drummond had a troubling and violent past.
At age 16, he robbed a Circle K gas station in Jackson at gunpoint, was convicted of aggravated robbery and later, retaliation for threatening jurors.
He served 13 years at Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville, and was released September 1, 2024, but faced new charges including attempted first-degree murder for a prison stabbing.
Here’s the video of that incident, released just days ago and circling on social media.
On August 29, 2023, surveillance captured Drummond and another inmate in a brutal altercation with a third prisoner at the facility.
The victim survived, but Drummond faces attempted murder and weapons charges from this. This is also separate and unrelated to the homicides.
Recently, Drummond appeared in court for those charges-where his bond was revoked.
Drummond Captured, Lengthy Trial to Unfold
Fast forward to the murders of Adrianna, Matthew, Cortney, and Braydon
After a weeklong manhunt involving the TBI, U.S. Marshals, and local agencies, Drummond is captured in Jackson.
He appeared via zoom for arraignment before Judge Andrew Cook.
A not guilty plea was entered on his behalf as he is appointed Attorney Bryan Huffman to represent him.
According to the affidavit, the murders were premeditated. It’s here that Drummond first speaks and requests a speedy trial. According to D.A. Danny Goodman, the process could take over a year.
Drummond Claims Innocence in Phone Interview
Since then, multiple jailhouse phone calls have been recorded and posted to social media.
In his first interview Drummond calls from Obion County Jail, claiming he is innocent. He also claims he was a confidential informant for law enforcement regarding prison drug smuggling.
The live streaming of his last interview violated policy and places Drummond at risk of losing phone privileges.
A preliminary hearing is set for September 4 in Lake County.
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