Authorities searching for quadruple murder suspect Austin Drummond have identified a potential connection between him and the victims, intensifying efforts to locate him.
Drummond is now one of the most wanted individuals on the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s Most Wanted List following the discovery of four bodies in a wooded rural area. The grim find occurred on July 29—just hours after a seven-month-old baby girl was found abandoned on a stranger’s driveway in Tigrett, where temperatures had soared to 100°F.
The remains of James “Matthew” Wilson and Adrianna Williams were found in Tiptonville, a small town of about 3,500 residents located roughly 40 miles from the location where the baby was discovered. Also found were 15-year-old Braydon Williams and the baby’s grandmother, Cortney Rose.
District Attorney Danny Goodman revealed that Drummond may have had a personal connection to one of the victims. He reportedly dated or is dating a relative of someone found dead. A viral post by Brier-Ashley Childress, an in-law of the victims, claims Drummond was romantically involved with Rose’s sister, Kaitlyn.
“We are heartbroken. We are confused. We are devastated. We are mortified. We are hurting. Our kids are hurting,” Childress wrote. “We thought we knew him. Kaitlyn thought she knew him. Cortney, Adrianna, Braydon, and Matthew thought they knew him. We all trusted him.”
Drummond, 28, faces four counts of first-degree murder and one count of aggravated kidnapping. Authorities warn he should be considered armed and dangerous. He is also charged with four counts of unlawful possession of a weapon.
The TBI initially offered a reward of $2,500, but that has since been raised to a total of $15,000—split between the TBI and the U.S. Marshals Service, each offering up to $7,500.
Investigators believe Drummond may be driving a white, damaged 2016 Audi. He has an extensive criminal record and previously served 13 years in prison.
In 2014, at the age of 17, Drummond was convicted of armed robbery after pointing a gun at a convenience store clerk and stealing cash from the register in Jackson. While incarcerated, he shared photos of himself and his living quarters online. He was released on September 1, 2024.
Only months after his release, Drummond was charged with attempted first-degree murder, according to NBC News. He also faced charges related to drug offenses.
Family and friends are mourning the loss of the victims. In a GoFundMe post, Amanda Myatt remembered Wilson and Williams as loving parents to their daughter Weslynne.
Amy Anderson called Williams “the sweetest person” and said, “She loved being a mama.” Anderson described Wilson as a “wonderful” father who deeply loved his daughter.
Harleigh Garrett, Williams’ best friend, said she was “an amazing mother” and “one of the best people to have as my best friend.”
“She was funny and had such a beautiful spirit. We had so many inside jokes and memories,” Garrett said, recalling how they used to play UNO together.
Authorities have not released a motive for the killings but have pledged to pursue justice with determination.
“We are committed to uncovering the truth and ensuring justice is served,” said Dyer County Sheriff Jeff Box.
