A tragic series of events in rural Tennessee has left a community in shock after a 7-month-old baby girl was found abandoned — and her parents and family members were later discovered dead.
The infant was found alone in her car seat, left in the front yard of a home in Dyer County on Tuesday, July 29. According to the Dyer County Sheriff’s Office, a witness saw a vehicle — either a dark minivan or a white mid-size SUV — drop off the baby and immediately called 911.
Hours later, the bodies of James M. Wilson, 21; Adrianna Williams, 20; Cortney Rose, 38; and Braydon Williams, 15 were found in neighboring Lake County, about 25 miles north. Officials confirmed Wednesday that the deceased were all related to the infant, who is now in protective care.
District Attorney General Danny Goodman Jr. told PEOPLE the deaths are being investigated as homicides. The FBI and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) have joined the case due to its complex and disturbing nature.
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“We knew we were dealing with something beyond a typical homicide,” Goodman told local outlet WREG 3. “The scale and circumstances required TBI’s involvement from the beginning.”
Earlier that day, authorities were actively looking to speak with Wilson, Williams, and Rose in connection with the abandoned child. Just after 10:00 p.m., a concerned caller reported that Adrianna and her mother Cortney had gone missing and were searching the property with flashlights. Not long after, officials announced the discovery of four bodies in Lake County.
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Family and friends are left heartbroken. “They were good people,” said family friend Amy Anderson. “Adrianna was such a sweet person, and she loved being a mama. James adored that baby. And Cortney — she was always there for her kids.”
Anderson pleaded with the public to avoid spreading rumors. “People are devastated. It’s tragic enough without speculation. Everyone needs to wait for the facts.”
Authorities have not released any details about the cause of death or potential suspects.
Anyone with information related to this ongoing investigation is urged to contact the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation at 1-800-TBI-FIND.
