Three people have been arrested for allegedly aiding a Tennessee fugitive wanted in a quadruple murder that left a 7-month-old child abandoned near the scene.
At a Glance
- Four family members were killed near Tiptonville, TN, on July 29, 2025
- A baby was found alive nearby and later rescued by authorities
- Suspect Austin Drummond remains at large and is considered armed
- Tanaka Brown, Giovonte Thomas, and Dearrah Sanders face accessory charges
- A $17,500 reward is being offered for information leading to Drummond’s arrest
Quadruple Homicide and Infant Rescue
On July 29, 2025, authorities in Lake County, Tennessee, discovered the bodies of four individuals—James M. Wilson (21), Adrianna Williams (20), Cortney Rose (38), and Braydon Williams (15)—in a rural area near Tiptonville. All were members of the same extended family. A 7-month-old baby girl, believed to be the daughter of Wilson and Adrianna Williams, was found nearby in a car seat, physically unharmed.
Law enforcement immediately launched a manhunt for 28-year-old Austin Robert Drummond, a Jackson resident with alleged ties to the victims. Drummond is wanted on four counts of first-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping, and several weapons-related offenses. He remains at large and has been classified by officials as armed and dangerous.
Watch now: TBI gives new details about Tennessee fugitive wanted for quadruple murder and baby abandonment · YouTube
Accessory Arrests and Legal Proceedings
Three individuals have since been charged with assisting Drummond. On August 1, Tanaka Brown (29) and Giovonte Thomas (29), both of Jackson, were arrested and charged with accessory after the fact to first-degree murder. Brown also faces a count of tampering with evidence. He is currently held without bond. Thomas, initially incarcerated on unrelated charges, has been transferred to face arraignment.
A third arrest was announced on August 4. Dearrah Sanders (23), also of Jackson, was taken into custody and booked into the Lake County Jail on one count of accessory after the fact to first-degree murder. Authorities allege Sanders assisted Drummond following the killings, though specific details of her involvement have not been released.
Investigators located an abandoned 2016 Audi believed to have been driven by Drummond in Jackson, roughly 70 miles from the original crime scene. A 1988 white Ford pickup truck connected to the suspect was also recovered later during the search effort.
Statewide Manhunt Intensifies
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), in coordination with local law enforcement and U.S. Marshals, continues to search for Drummond. Roadblocks and search teams have been deployed in and around north Jackson, including areas near Love & Truth Church, Pleasant Plains, and Oil Well Road.
Officials are urging the public not to engage if Drummond is spotted. A combined reward of up to $17,500 has been issued for any credible information leading to his arrest. Tipsters can contact 1-800-TBI-FIND or submit information via official TBI channels.
Broader Implications
While the motive remains under investigation, the incident has drawn regional attention due to its severity and the presence of a surviving infant at the crime scene. Community leaders and law enforcement have praised the swift recovery of the child and continue to stress the importance of public cooperation in locating the fugitive. The case underscores the complexity of post-crime assistance charges, particularly in cases involving multiple suspects and interstate search coordination.
