Suspect in Tennessee Quadruple Killing Captured After Weeklong Manhunt

Austin Drummond Accused in Killing of Four and Kidnapping of Infant

Tone & Political Bias: Center

Why: Straightforward crime reporting with no political framing or ideological bias.

The Arrest

Austin Robert Drummond, 28, was captured on Tuesday in Jackson, Tennessee, by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) after a weeklong search. He is accused of killing four people and kidnapping a baby on July 29.

Authorities said Drummond was found in a wooded area one day after a security camera image of him was released. He had been considered armed and dangerous throughout the search.

At the time of his arrest, a reward of up to $30,000 had been offered for information leading to his capture.

The Victims

The victims have been identified as:

Cortney Rose, 38
Adrianna Williams, 20 (Rose's daughter)
Braydon Williams, 15 (Rose's son)
James “Michael” Wilson, 21 (Adrianna’s boyfriend)

All four were found dead along a road in Lake County, located in northwest Tennessee.

The Infant Left Behind

According to the Dyer County Sheriff’s Office, Wilson and Adrianna Williams’ baby was left unharmed in a car seat in a stranger’s front yard in nearby Dyer County on the same day as the killings. Officials have not released further information about the condition of the baby, but confirmed the child is safe.

Charges Filed

Drummond is facing multiple charges, including:

4 counts of first-degree murder
1 count of aggravated kidnapping
4 counts of felon in possession of a firearm
1 count of possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation formally announced the charges after his arrest.

Investigation Ongoing

Authorities have not yet identified a motive behind the killings. The investigation remains active, and no official timeline for a court appearance has been released. During the course of the manhunt, four additional individuals were arrested for allegedly serving as accessories after the fact. Their names and charges have not been publicly disclosed.

Community Impact

The killings and subsequent search for Drummond shook communities across Lake and Dyer counties. Law enforcement agencies from multiple jurisdictions participated in the search, which included drones, dogs, and heavily armed officers.

The case has drawn regional attention, especially after the abandoned infant was discovered unharmed—a development that officials say may have helped lead to Drummond’s capture.

What’s Next

Drummond remains in custody and will face prosecution in Tennessee. The TBI has not stated whether the death penalty will be pursued. Officials continue to investigate how Drummond evaded capture for a week and whether additional individuals may be charged in connection with the crime. More information will be released by law enforcement as the case progresses.