Police have named a suspect in a brutal quadruple homicide after four members of a family were found dead and a seven-month-old baby was discovered abandoned in a stranger’s yard.
Austin Robert Drummond, 28, has been charged with four counts of murder and an additional kidnapping charge in connection to the disturbing case.
James “Matthew” Wilson, 21, and his girlfriend Adrianna Williams, 20—the baby’s parents—were found dead in a wooded area in Tiptonville, Tennessee, roughly two hours north of Memphis. The bodies of Adrianna’s mother, Cortney Rose, 38, and Matthew’s younger brother, Braydon Williams, 15, were also discovered at the scene.
Authorities located the abandoned infant in Tigrett, around 40 miles away from where the victims were found.
Investigators initially described the killings as targeted and assured the public there was no immediate threat to the community.
According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, 29-year-old Austin Robert Drummond has been formally charged in the case. Dyer County District Attorney Danny Goodman revealed that Drummond, a Jackson resident, either dated or is currently dating a relative of Adrianna.
Drummond is described as 5’10”, weighing approximately 190 pounds, with brown hair, blue eyes, and a goatee. Authorities believe he may have altered his appearance and are urging the public to remain cautious.
Police suspect he is driving a 2016 Audi A3 with Tennessee license plate RI 01896.
Investigators have emphasized that Drummond should be considered armed and dangerous.
Criminal Past
Drummond recently completed a prison sentence for a violent robbery and kidnapping in Florida.
According to a 2013 report from CBS affiliate WBBJ, Drummond—then 16—entered a Circle K gas station with a handgun, demanded money, and fled.
Later that day, he approached a car driven by a 17-year-old, asked to be taken to a friend, and once the friend entered the car, both pulled firearms on the driver. They forced the teen to withdraw cash from several ATMs before dropping off the second assailant.
Before fleeing, Drummond stole the driver’s wallet and phone and warned him not to contact authorities.
He now faces multiple felony charges, including four counts of first-degree murder, kidnapping, and weapons offenses.
Law enforcement is requesting the public report any sightings but strongly advises not to approach the suspect.
“This is a deeply saddening day for our community,” Dyer County Sheriff Jeff Box said following the grim discovery. “We are committed to uncovering the truth and ensuring justice is served.”
Eerie Case
The Dyer County Sheriff’s Department released a 911 call made at 10:30 p.m. Tuesday night reporting Adrianna and her mother missing.
Family friend Amy Anderson described Adrianna as a loving and devoted mother who “fiercely loved her new baby.”
“She was the sweetest person. She loved being a mama,” Anderson told CBS affiliate WREG, adding that Matthew was a “wonderful daddy” who adored his child, and that Cortney cherished being a grandmother.
“It’s tragic. It’s tearing everybody apart,” she said. “There’s been a lot of rumors, but I just hope people wait for the facts so no more heartache is caused.”
