THE fugitive accused of murdering four family members is said to be part of a powerful gang that one expert fears could have helped him evade cops.
A gang known as Austin Drummond’s Almighty Vice Lords, based in Chicago, Illinois, has been described by a law enforcement official as comprising the “worst of the worst” criminals.
On July 29, a seven-month-old baby was found abandoned on a stranger’s front lawn in rural West Tennessee, and she was taken to safety.
Just hours later, cops found the bodies of the baby’s parents, 20-year-old Adrianna Williams and 21-year-old Matthew Wilson, on the side of a road.
Their bodies were found alongside Williams’ mom Cortney Rose, 38, and her younger brother Braydon Williams, 15.
After a days-long search, investigators captured Drummond on Tuesday, who they believe kidnapped the family and murdered all four family members.
He was pictured looking sweat-soaked and humiliated in images released by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
The suspect was found in Jackson after a construction crew saw him darting into the woods, about an hour from where the baby was abandoned.
Although investigators haven’t linked the suspect to the victims, family members shared on social media that the suspect previously dated one of Rose’s sisters.
CRIMINAL HISTORY
Drummond is an ex-convict who served a 13-year prison sentence for robbing a store at gunpoint and kidnapping someone. He was released in September.
Three more people have been arrested and accused of helping Drummond allegedly commit the sick murders.
Investigators believe Drummond is a part of the dangerous Vice Lords gang, which is known to have a presence in West Tennessee.
The crime ring was started in the 1950s by a crew of African American teens who met while they were in juvenile detention.
Over a decade, this gang grew its number of members and became a notorious force on Chicago’s streets, notorious for committing violent robberies and attacks.
Officials also say the gang has an established presence in prisons, which may have been how Drummond was first introduced to members.
‘WORST OF THE WORST’
In the decades since its inception, the Vice Lords and their various factions have been linked to a number of shocking crimes across the US.
In 2019, Vice Lords Supreme Elite Chief Ronald Terry and his girlfriend were murdered in Memphis.
According to the U.S. District Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee, an internal investigation by the Unknown Vice Lords revealed that the victims were killed by a fellow gang member.
However, they first blamed a rival gang, and the two attacked each other in a bloody shootout, according to CBS affiliate WREG.
Recently, three gang members from the Vice Lords in Detroit were sentenced to lengthy prison terms for years of wreaking havoc in the city, as per prosecutors.
Federal investigators identified these individuals, nicknamed “Chief,” “Universal Elite,” and “Chief Enforcer,” as among “the worst of the worst” in the community.
“Greed bought them a one-way ticket straight into federal prison,” said Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives special agent James Deir, according to the Detroit Free Press.
Quadruple murders timeline
Tuesday, July 29: A seven-month-old baby girl was found abandoned in a car seat in the front yard of a residence in Tigrett, Dyer County, Tennessee, at around 3 pm.
Hours later: Four individuals were found dead in Lake County approximately 40 miles from where the baby was located.
Wednesday, July 30: Investigators identify the victims as:
- Matthew Wilson, 21, (the baby’s father)
- Adrianna Williams, 20 (the baby’s mother)
- Cortney Rose, 38, (the baby’s grandmother)
- Braydon Williams, 15, (the baby’s maternal uncle)
Thursday, July 31: The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation name Austin Drummond, 28, as a suspect in the quadruple homicide.
Friday, August 1: Cops locate Drummond’s damaged Audi A3 abandoned on a road in Jackson. Tanaka Brown has been arrested and is accused of being an accessory to first degree murder after the fact and tampering with evidence.
Saturday, August 2: Agents arrest second man Giovontie Thomas for accessory to first degree murder after the fact. They also locate a Ford pick up truck believed to be connected to Drummond in Dyer County.
Monday, August 4: Dearrah Sanders is the third person to be arrested and charged for accessory to first degree murder after the fact.
Jackson cops also release surveillance footage of Drummond, wearing camouflaged gear, stalking a neighborhood and trying to get into a church building.
Tuesday, August 5: Drummond taken into custody after being captured in Jackson. He was arrested after cops issued a shelter-in-place order following a suspected sighting.
SEARCH FOR ‘GANGSTER’
With an elaborate crime network spanning across the US, experts fear that Drummond could have benefited from the brotherhood while he evaded capture.
Speaking exclusively to The U.S. Sun, criminology professor Dr. Angelo Brown, who teaches at Arkansas State University, said that Drummond could have been at “fellow gang member locations.”
He said that Drummond’s brothers may have delivered him “essential supplies” and helped him to change his appearance until the search dies down.
Brown was concerned for officials searching for Drummond because of the grisly nature of the crimes.
He said, “He knows that if he gets caught, he will likely never see freedom again, which puts him in a situation where he has little to lose.
“Therefore, if he harms more people, it probably won’t increase the punishment he will face if convicted.”
‘KILLER’ CAUGHT
Dyer County Sheriff Jeff Box celebrated Drummond’s capture and said that it came after “tireless work and dedication of our local, state, and federal partners.”
“Their commitment to justice and public safety around the clock since Tuesday at 3 pm has been invaluable throughout this investigation,” he said.
“Also, our citizens have been extremely helpful and cooperative. Thank you so much for always being a willing partner with our deputies and investigators.”
Drummond was captured on chilling surveillance stalking around in Jackson on Monday night, after investigators previously feared he had fled the state.
The convict filled his rap sheet while he was behind bars. He was charged with attempted murder in December 2024 over a fight with an inmate.
He was out on bail for that charge when he allegedly killed the family.
Drummond was also punished for being caught with drugs in prison.
Police’s full statement
Tennessee police shared the following statement to announce the arrest of alleged murderer Austin Drummond:
Sheriff Jeff Box of the Dyer County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to confirm that the man responsible for the murder of four Dyer County citizens has been captured by the Jackson Police Department.
Sheriff Box expressed his gratitude to all agencies involved. “This would not have been achieved without the tireless work and dedication of our local, state, and federal partners. Their commitment to justice and public safety around the clock since Tuesday at 3pm has been invaluable throughout this investigation. Also, our citizens have been extremely helpful and cooperative. Thank you so much for always being a willing partner with our deputies and investigators.”
The Dyer County Sheriff’s Office recognizes the immense pain and suffering experienced by the families of the victims during this incredibly difficult time. “Our focus now shifts to honoring the lives lost and providing support to their grieving families. We urge the community and the media to respect their privacy as they navigate through this tragic loss.”
The investigation is ongoing and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is the lead investigative agency.
The Dyer County Sheriff’s Office will continue to work diligently to ensure justice is served for the victims and their loved ones while fostering a safe environment for our community.
Source: DCSO
