Prosecutors Seek Death Penalty for Suspected Tennessee Family Murderer and Baby Kidnapper Austin Drummond

A man, identified as Austin Robert Drummond, faces potential execution for the murder of four family members in rural Tennessee. The district attorney announced this intention during a court hearing on Thursday.

Drummond, apprehended after a week-long manhunt, appeared via video feed from jail for his arraignment at the Tiptonville courthouse. He is charged with four counts of first-degree murder, one count of aggravated kidnapping, four counts of felon in possession of a firearm, and one count of possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony.

During the hearing, Judge Andrew T. Cook entered a not guilty plea on Drummond’s behalf as he did not have legal representation. Public defender Bryan Huffman was appointed to represent Drummond at his next hearing scheduled for August 14.

Judge Cook ordered Drummond, aged 28, held without bond due to the nature of the charges and the potential threat to public safety. He was remanded to the custody of the Lake County Sheriff’s Department.

Drummond has a history of violence, including a conviction for aggravated robbery, and is linked to a violent street gang. He is accused of murdering James M. Wilson, Adrianna Williams, Cortney Rose, and Braydon Williams.

The victims were discovered on July 29 in Tiptonville. The tragic discovery followed by hours the finding of the seven-month-old daughter of Wilson and Adrianna Williams abandoned in a car seat in a yard in Tigrett, approximately 40 miles southeast of Tiptonville.

According to court documents, Drummond allegedly kidnapped the baby while armed with a firearm, although no further details about the alleged incident are available.

Cortney Rose was the baby’s maternal grandmother, and Braydon Williams was her maternal uncle. Drummond’s girlfriend was Rose’s sister, and she served as a corrections officer during Drummond’s incarceration for aggravated robbery.

Authorities have not disclosed any court documents or details regarding the motive for the murders or any additional information about the investigation.

Three other individuals are also charged with aiding Drummond post-murders.

Drummond’s criminal history dates back to 2013 when he was convicted of armed robbery and sentenced to ten years in prison for robbing a Circle K convenience store in Jackson. After his release last September, he faced new charges including a drug arrest and an attempted murder case.

The bond for these charges was officially revoked during the hearing on Thursday.

Kim Hamil, Wilson’s mother, stated that she and other relatives are focusing on seeking justice and plan to attend Drummond’s hearings whenever possible. The family is currently caring for Wilson’s baby daughter.

“It’s a whole family gone. It’s unbelievable,” Hamil said. “As a family, we’re just broken.”