Tennessee Manhunt: Two Arrested for Aiding Suspect Accused of Killing Infant’s Family, Baby Found Abandoned

Tennessee Manhunt: Two Arrested for Aiding Suspect Accused of Killing Infant’s Family, Baby Found Abandoned

Tiptonville, TN – Two men have been arrested in connection with the horrific murders of four family members, whose infant was later found abandoned but alive in rural Tennessee. The prime suspect remains at large, as a statewide manhunt intensifies.

Family Slain, Infant Found Alone

Authorities say Austin Robert Drummond, 28, is wanted for the targeted killing of four relatives: the infant’s parents, grandmother, and uncle. The victims — James M. Wilson, 21; Adrianna Williams, 20; Cortney Rose, 38; and Braydon Williams, 15 — were found dead in Tiptonville, a small town in northwestern Tennessee.

The infant, a survivor of the tragedy, was discovered strapped in a car seat in the Tigrett area, roughly 40 miles from where the bodies were located. The child is now reported to be safe and in care.

Two Charged With Aiding the Fugitive

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) announced charges against Tanaka Brown and Giovonte Thomas, both 29, for accessory after the fact to first-degree murder. Authorities allege the men “assisted” Drummond after the killings, though they have not revealed how.

Brown was also charged with tampering with evidence, and was booked into Lake County Jail on Friday.
Thomas, already held in Madison County Jail on unrelated charges, will be transferred for arraignment.

Officials have yet to disclose the nature of their involvement or how they may have helped Drummond escape the crime scene.

Pickup Truck Recovered, Suspect Still on the Run

Investigators have recovered the 1988 white Ford pickup truck with a red stripe, believed to have been driven by Drummond. It was found in Jackson, TN, about 70 miles from where the bodies were discovered, and 40 miles from where the baby was found.

Despite the vehicle’s recovery, Drummond remains at large. Authorities warn he is “armed and dangerous.”

Suspect’s Criminal Past Raises Alarm

Drummond’s criminal history includes robbery, threatening jurors, and attempted murder while in prison, according to court records. Authorities have issued warrants charging him with:

  • 4 counts of first-degree murder
  • Aggravated kidnapping
  • Weapons offenses

“We believe this was a targeted attack,” said TBI Director David Rausch, citing Drummond’s known relationship with the victims.

A reward of $17,500 is being offered by the TBI and U.S. Marshals Service for information that leads to his capture.

Community Shaken by Tragedy

The Tiptonville community remains stunned as details of the case continue to unfold. Officials have not commented on a motive, but the emotional toll is evident.

Do you think the two arrested men should face harsher penalties for helping a suspected killer? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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