Man accused of killing 4 and abandoning baby arrested in Tennessee

August 5, 2025

Austin Robert Drummond, suspected of killing four members of his girlfriend's family and abandoning their baby, was arrested in rural Tennessee following a weeklong manhunt. Local authorities had instituted a shelter-in-place order for Jackson residents after Drummond was spotted in the area. According to police, Drummond specifically targeted his girlfriend's family members, killing the baby's parents, grandmother, and teenage uncle.

Who is affected

The murdered family members: James M. Wilson (21), Adrianna Williams (20), Cortney Rose (38), and Braydon Williams (15)
The abandoned baby who survived
Jackson community residents who were under shelter-in-place orders
Residents of Tiptonville and surrounding areas who lived in fear during the manhunt

What action is being taken

Law enforcement has arrested Drummond after receiving multiple civilian sighting reports
Authorities are caring for the abandoned baby who is reported to be safe
Police have charged Drummond with four counts of first-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping, firearm possession charges, and other crimes
Three additional people have been arrested and charged with assisting Drummond after the killings

Why it matters

The arrest "marks an important step in restoring safety to our community," according to Jackson Police Chief Thom Corley
The case involved targeted violence against a family, including a murdered teenager and abandoned infant
The manhunt required significant law enforcement resources, including a $32,500 reward and shelter-in-place orders
Drummond had previously been flagged as dangerous, with a district attorney warning against his early release in 2020, citing threats to jurors and disciplinary issues while in prison

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC