MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WREG) — Authorities have identified four people found dead in Tiptonville, Tennessee, as part of a growing investigation into an abandoned baby discovered earlier this week in nearby Dyer County.
The victims have been identified as Cortney Rose, Matthew Wilson, Adrianna Williams, and an unnamed juvenile. Their bodies were discovered Tuesday in Lake County, just north of where a baby was found unharmed in a car seat outside a home along Old Highway 20, near the Tigrett area.
Local District Attorney Danny Goodman Jr. confirmed Wednesday that the infant is related to the deceased individuals.
A visibly shaken woman who discovered the baby declined to speak on camera but told Nexstar’s WREG she was still trying to process the situation. The woman said she found the baby after someone left her on the property in the middle of the day.
According to the Dyer County Sheriff’s Office, a dark-colored minivan or a white midsize SUV is believed to have dropped the child off. Authorities quickly identified the infant, and investigators began seeking contact with Rose, Wilson, and Williams before learning of their deaths.
It remains unclear how the four individuals died, or how the remote home where the baby was left was selected. The child, too young to explain what happened, remains safe.
Lake County, where the bodies were found, is located just north of Dyer County near the Kentucky border—approximately two hours from Memphis.
“This is a deeply saddening day for our community. We are committed to uncovering the truth and ensuring justice is served,” said Dyer County Sheriff Jeff Box.
District Attorney Goodman added that while the details are still under investigation, there does not appear to be an ongoing threat to the public. “We believe this is an isolated tragedy, not a random act of violence,” he said.
The Dyer County and Lake County Sheriff’s Offices are working in coordination with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the FBI to piece together what happened.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Dyer County Sheriff’s Office at 731-285-2802.
