A shocking manhunt is underway in Tennessee after a recently released convict, Austin Drummond, was accused of brutally killing four people in what officials are calling a horrifying act of violence.
The case has brought renewed attention to his troubled past, including threats he allegedly made against jurors and victims from his previous conviction.
Ex-Convict Called “Danger to Society” Before Early Release
Austin Drummond, now 28, was released in July 2020 after serving a 13-year sentence for armed robbery at a Circle K gas station, where he stole just $44 at gunpoint.
Before his release, 26th District Attorney General Jody Pickens strongly opposed the parole in a letter to the Tennessee Board of Parole. Pickens called Drummond a “dangerous felony offender” and a known member of the Vice Lords gang.
Parole Letter Cited Threats to Jurors and Prison Misconduct
According to Pickens, after Drummond’s robbery trial, he made phone calls from prison threatening jurors, saying things like, “They are going to regret it,” and “I’ll be out one day.” These threats led to a charge of “retaliation for past action.”
His prison record also showed 25 disciplinary violations including drug possession, disobedience, and having a weapon.
Photos reportedly found on his Facebook page even showed him inside prison eating pizza, drinking alcohol, and playing a Nintendo Switch—clear signs of ongoing rule-breaking while in custody.
Quadruple Homicide: Four Victims Found in Lake County
Drummond is now accused of murdering four people: James Matthew Wilson (21), Adrianna Williams (20), Cortney Rose (38), and 15-year-old Braydon Williams. The tragedy unfolded on July 29 in Tiptonville, Lake County, after police found a 7-month-old baby—belonging to two of the victims—abandoned in someone’s yard.
The victims’ bodies were discovered five hours later nearby along Carrington Road.
Manhunt Underway, Two Arrested for Helping Drummond
Authorities, including the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) and federal agents, are actively searching for Drummond. He is considered extremely dangerous, and the public has been warned not to approach him if spotted. The Dyer County Sheriff’s Office posted a clear message on Facebook: “Spot him? Do not approach!”
Two individuals, Tanaka Brown and Giovonte Thomas, both aged 29, have been arrested and charged with accessory after the fact to first-degree murder. Their exact role in assisting Drummond is still under investigation.
Public Safety Concerns and Ongoing Investigation
The entire case has sparked debate about parole decisions, especially for violent offenders. Pickens noted that Drummond showed no interest in rehabilitation and had multiple prison violations even before his release.
The manhunt remains active, with law enforcement urging the public to stay alert and report any sightings immediately.
The horrifying deaths of four people in Lake County, Tennessee, have shocked the local community and raised serious questions about the criminal justice system. Austin Drummond, previously described as unfit for life in society, is now the prime suspect in a quadruple murder that took place just four years after his release.
His past, marked by violent crimes, gang activity, and threats, now appears to have led to an even more tragic outcome. Authorities continue to search for Drummond, warning the public that he is armed, dangerous, and should not be approached under any circumstances.
