Police in Jackson, Tennessee, have issued a shelter-in-place warning for residents in two areas as they search for Austin Drummond, a suspect in a quadruple murder. Drummond, who is considered armed and dangerous, was sighted on Pipkin Road, about four miles from where investigators found an abandoned vehicle linked to him. Surveillance footage captured him attempting to enter a building late Sunday night, prompting officials to urge residents to secure their homes and report any suspicious activity. The Jackson Police Department stressed the need for heightened vigilance while authorities work to apprehend Drummond.
The murders took place in Tiptonville, approximately 125 miles from Memphis, where Drummond allegedly killed four individuals: James M. Wilson, 21; Adrianna Williams, 20; Cortney Rose, 38; and Braydon Williams, 15. The unsettling case has garnered significant public attention, particularly following the distressing discovery of an infant linked to the victims found outside a nearby residence. As the search intensifies, a reward for information leading to Drummond’s capture has risen to $32,500, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
U.S. Marshal Tyreece Miller, overseeing the efforts to locate Drummond, expressed a strong commitment to justice for the victims’ families. The manhunt is supported by multiple law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Marshals Service’s Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. Miller emphasized that the collaboration showcases a unified approach to ensuring community safety and peace during this challenging time.
Drummond, 28, faces multiple charges, including four counts of first-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping, and various weapons offenses, following the tragic events in Tiptonville. The brutality of the murders and the circumstances surrounding them have stirred fear within the community, leading to calls for swift justice. Local officials have been proactive in reassuring residents about their safety while intensifying their efforts to locate the suspect.
In conjunction with the manhunt, authorities have arrested three individuals described as “associates” of Drummond. Giovonte Thomas, 28; Tanaka Brown, 29; and Dearrah Sanders, 23, are facing charges for their involvement in the case, with Brown also charged with tampering with evidence. These arrests underscore the complexity of the investigation and the widespread implications of Drummond’s actions and connections.
As the situation develops, the Jackson community remains on high alert, with law enforcement urging residents to remain cautious. The collective efforts of various agencies reflect a dedication not only to that region’s safety but also to seeking justice for the victims and their families. Ultimately, the ongoing search for Austin Drummond serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by violent crime and the communal resolve to confront it.
