Quadruple Murder Suspect in Tenn. Abandoned Baby Case Just Unveiled a Surprising Defense

The man charged in the brutal killings of four family members — leaving a 7-month-old infant abandoned — is now speaking out.

Austin Drummond, 28, was arrested on Aug. 5, just a week after authorities found the baby alone in a front yard in Dyer County, Tenn. Hours later, the child’s parents, grandmother, and uncle were discovered slain elsewhere in the county.

Drummond has said he was dating the baby’s aunt, Rose, though the exact connection between him and the victims remains unclear.

In an exclusive interview with local outlet News Channel 5, Drummond claimed he was working as an undercover agent for federal investigators.

“During my time working for them I helped them uncover drug dealers selling multiple kilos of cocaine, also drug traffickers delivering pounds of meth,” he told the outlet from jail. “We identified dirty law enforcement and correctional personnel and tapped Vice Lord leadership phones.”

He added, “I am not an innocent man, but I am not guilty of what they have charged me with.”

It remains unclear how his claims of undercover work would connect to the murders. Drummond allegedly told News Channel 5 that he was linked to the killings in some capacity but did not provide details, continuing to maintain his innocence.

“I had no reason to hurt these people. They were my girlfriend’s family who had become my family,” he said. “I took Adrianna to the hospital to have her baby. I helped teach Braydon to drive. Matthew was like a little brother to me.”

Drummond told the outlet he recently learned his cover was compromised and became frightened upon hearing about the murders, prompting him to flee. “I did not handle the situation right by running, but I was afraid,” he said.

Before Drummond’s arrest, authorities charged three other individuals as accessories after the fact.

Drummond now faces first-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping, felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony. He has pleaded not guilty and remains in custody without bond.