Murder suspect Austin Drummond in custody after weeklong manhunt in TN
Share this @internewscast.com

Austin Drummond, wanted for the tragic quadruple murder of a family in West Tennessee, was apprehended Tuesday morning following an extensive weeklong manhunt.

Jackson Police Chief Thom Corley reported that they started receiving tips about Drummond’s whereabouts around 8 a.m. One crucial tip came in at 8:57, leading officers to swiftly make the arrest by 9:05.

Drummond, discovered living in a vacant structure, was residing in what was identified as a pool house, though the duration of his stay remains uncertain, according to Corley.

Following Drummond’s capture, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation shared his photograph taken during the arrest. You can swipe left for his latest mug shot.

While TBI Director David Rausch could not disclose the motive behind these heinous acts, it was noted that Drummond’s girlfriend has familial ties to the victims, being the sister of two and the daughter of one.

Rausch said “a couple of firearms” had been recovered in the case.

Drummond has been transported to an undisclosed facility, Rausch said.

The arrest occurred shortly after a shelter-in-place advisory was disseminated throughout Jackson, Tennessee, when authorities observed Drummond near the intersection of Saddlebrook Drive and Bridlepath Drive.

The area of Pleasant Plains and Country Club was temporarily blocked off, police say.

John Stechauner, a witness on the scene, said he was doing work for some friends when they saw the back door of the greenhouse open, which is never left open. He said he looked up and saw a man walking through the area.

That’s when he says he called 911, and within 15 minutes, Drummond was arrested.

Drummond had been on the run since last Tuesday, when the bodies of James Wilson, 21, Adrianna Williams, 20, Cortney Rose, 38, and Braydon Williams, 15, were found along Carrington Road in Tiptonville.

An infant who was related to the victims was also found safe in front of a house in Dyer County. The baby is safe and healthy, authorities said.

Dyer county family and baby

A warrant charged Drummond with four counts of First Degree Murder, one count of Aggravated Kidnapping, four counts of Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and one count of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Dangerous Felony.

Bryan Avery, the sheriff of Lake County in far northwest Tennessee where the four killings occurred, said only about 7,000 people lived in his tight-knit county.

“When one person hurts, everybody hurts,” Avery said.

Police say Drummond was seen on a citizen’s camera system in the 700 block of Pipkin Road in Jackson on Sunday night. They released two surveillance videos showing Drummond wearing camouflage clothing and a backpack, and carrying a rifle. In one video, he attempted to open a door.

Three others, Giovontie Thomas, 29, Tanaka Brown, 29, and Dearrah Sanders, 23, were all arrested and charged with Accessory After the Fact to First Degree Murder. Brown is also facing a Tampering with Evidence charge.

Drummond has deep connections to the Jackson area.

According to the TBI’s criminal history, WREG Investigators uncovered, Drummond’s rap sheet dates back to 2011 when he was just a teenager. He pleaded guilty to evading arrest and attempted burglary in Jackson, Tennessee. He received 24 hours of community service.

Suspect identified in deaths of 4 people in West TN

Two years later, court documents state that when Drummond was 17 years old, he walked behind the register in a gas station in Jackson, pointed a pistol at the clerk, demanded she open the cash register, and took the cash inside. A jury found him guilty.

Drummond was released from prison last September, according to the state Department of Corrections records. He had been convicted on an aggravated robbery charge.

TBI said more than one tipster may be eligible for a reward for information in the case.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Experience the Journey to Bethlehem: Fenders Farm’s Unique Drive-Through Nativity Event

Fenders Farm in Jonesborough, Tennessee, transformed into a festive journey through time…

Supreme Court Approves Controversial Texas Voting Map for 2026 Elections

In a recent decision, a divided Supreme Court has sided with Texas…

Florida Republicans Urge Trump to Protect State’s Coastlines from Oil Drilling

WASHINGTON – Florida’s congressional representatives, predominantly Republican, are appealing to the Trump…

Unraveling the Eustis Gas Leak Explosion: The Unsolved Mystery

EUSTIS, Fla. – Authorities are diligently investigating a devastating explosion that tore…

Recently released 911 calls unveil urgent appeals and devastating consequences amid Texas Hill Country flood

KERRVILLE, Texas – In the heart of a crisis, the air was…

Unicoi Revives Holiday Spirit with Annual ‘Old Fashioned Christmas’ Celebration

In Unicoi, Tennessee, the Bogart/Bowman Cabin comes alive with holiday cheer each…

Rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine Sentenced to Three Months in Prison for Probation Violation in Gang-Related Case

NEW YORK – In a recent development, rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine, known offstage…

2026 OUC Orlando Half Marathon Unveils New Athlete Division for Runners with Intellectual Disabilities

Thousands of athletes are gearing up for the OUC Orlando Half Marathon…

JCPD Withholds Flock Camera Locations Amid Growing Community Demand for Transparency

The Johnson City Police Department (JCPD) in Tennessee has decided not to…

Emergency 911 Calls Flooded with Pleas as Rising Waters Trap Residents in Attics and Camp Cabins

A man clinging to a tree on the Guadalupe River, shouting for…

Hostage Situation at Kissimmee Apartment Complex Broadcasted Live on Facebook Gains Widespread Attention

In a dramatic standoff in Kissimmee, Florida, a tense hostage situation unfolded…

Stay Safe: TDOT & Sullivan County Gear Up for Winter Road Conditions

In anticipation of the winter season, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT)…