Quadruple Murder Suspect Austin Drummond Captured in Jackson, Tennessee

JACKSON, Tenn. — Quadruple murder suspect Austin Drummond, 28, was captured by police Tuesday morning after a citywide manhunt that prompted lockdown alerts and heavy law enforcement presence in Jackson, Tennessee.

The Jackson Police Department confirmed Drummond’s arrest after officers responded to sightings in the 700 block of Pipkin Road on Sunday night. Authorities said he was considered “armed and dangerous” and had been seen on surveillance video approaching a local church with a rifle. One video appeared to show Drummond attempting to enter a building around 11 p.m.

His arrest comes just days after the discovery of four homicide victims in Tiptonville, about 125 miles northwest of Jackson. The victims — James M. Wilson, 21; Adrianna Williams, 20; Cortney Rose, 38; and Braydon Williams, 15 — were found murdered on July 29. A 7-month-old baby, related to all four victims, was found abandoned on the front lawn of a residence in nearby Dyer County, leading investigators to connect the two cases.

Authorities launched a large-scale manhunt involving multiple agencies, including the U.S. Marshals Service Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force. A reward for information leading to Drummond’s arrest had risen to $32,500.

“Our priority is finding Austin Drummond and helping deliver justice for the victims’ families,” said U.S. Marshal Tyreece Miller. “The combined effort of agencies from every level, including the Office of Governor Bill Lee, is evidence of our commitment to preserving peace and ensuring the safety of our communities.”

An abandoned vehicle believed to have been used by Drummond was located about four miles from the area where he was spotted Sunday. Following his confirmed sighting, Jackson Police issued shelter-in-place alerts to two areas of the city before successfully taking him into custody.

Drummond now faces four counts of first-degree murder, one count of aggravated kidnapping, and additional weapons offenses.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation also announced the arrests of three individuals they described as Drummond’s associates: Giovonte Thomas, 28; Tanaka Brown, 29; and Dearrah Sanders, 23. All three have been charged with accessory after the fact to first-degree murder. Brown is also facing a charge of tampering with evidence.

Drummond is expected to be formally arraigned in the coming days.