Family of 4 Found Dead as the Youngest Member Is Discovered Unharmed in Another County

A suspected quadruple murder in rural Tennessee has sparked a multi-county investigation, with authorities searching for a fugitive and tracking down key evidence that may lead to his arrest.

Authorities in Tennessee are investigating the deaths of four people in Lake County, a case that surfaced after an infant was found abandoned in a separate county earlier this week.

On Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at approximately 3:11 p.m., the Dyer County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of an abandoned baby.

The seven-month-old infant was found in a baby seat at a residence on Old Highway 20 near the Tigrett area.

A witness saw a dark-colored minivan or a white midsize SUV drop off the infant in a car seat in a front yard and immediately called 911. Emergency responders evaluated the baby, who was unharmed. A photo shared by the department showed the child safe in the arms of a paramedic.

Following the discovery, law enforcement launched an investigation with the help of the Crockett County Sheriff's Office and the Tennessee Highway Patrol.

In a Facebook post dated July 30 at 5:10 p.m., the Dyer County Sheriff's Office stated that they had identified the child and were seeking to speak with Cortney Rose, James Matthew Wilson, and Adrianna Williams. The office asked the public for help locating the individuals and pledged a full and thorough investigation.

The case took a tragic turn when the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) confirmed the discovery of four deceased individuals on Carrington Road in Tiptonville, Lake County.

The victims were identified as James Matthew Wilson, 21; James' partner, Adrianna, 20; Adrianna's mom, Cortney, 38; and Cortney's teenage son, Braydon Williams, 15. Local authorities connected the deaths to the investigation surrounding the abandoned child.

TBI identified 29-year-old Austin Robert Drummond as a suspect in the deaths. He is reportedly armed and dangerous, with an arrest warrant issued for him.

Austin, who was released from prison in September 2024, is currently at large. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact 731-415-7962, 731-333-0811, or 1-800-TBI-FIND.

As the investigation continued, the Dyer County Sheriff's Office reiterated that, despite public speculation, no arrests had been made as of the evening of July 31. Multiple agencies, including the FBI, are now involved in the ongoing case.

Local District Attorney Danny Goodman Jr. confirmed that the child is related to the four deceased individuals. Speaking to WREG on July 30, he stated, "We knew we were dealing with something more than your typical homicide so I knew we were going to need the expertise of TBI."

He added that he did not believe there was an ongoing public safety threat and considered the case to be an isolated incident.

The woman who found the baby at her home declined to speak on camera, visibly shaken by the discovery. Authorities have not yet revealed how the victims died or why the location for the baby's drop-off was chosen. The investigation remains in its early stages.

Amy Anderson, a family friend, expressed grief over the loss. "They're devastated. We're just thankful that the baby was spared, grateful for that," she said.

Amy described Adrianna as "the sweetest person" who "loved being a mama," and Matthew Wilson as "a wonderful daddy." She added, "Cortney, she loved her kids."

Amy also urged the public to be cautious about spreading unverified claims. "It's tragic. It's tearing everybody apart. Everybody don't know what to think, there's been rumors here and there, but I just wish everybody would slow down on the rumors and wait until stuff is actually put out there as far as the truth goes so that there's no more heartache than what already is," she expressed.

In a post by the Abby Blabby – True Crime & News page on July 31, it was confirmed that rumors about an arrest were false.

The events have drawn attention across multiple counties in northwest Tennessee. Lake County, where the bodies were discovered, is directly north of Dyer County, near the Kentucky border and roughly two hours north of Memphis.

James' father, Matt Wilson, has been actively sharing updates to assist in the search for the suspect. In a Facebook post, he shared critical information about the man authorities have identified as the suspect in connection with the deaths. The post aimed to raise awareness and encourage the public to come forward with any helpful leads.

Speaking to KFVS12 on July 31, Matt expressed his grief, saying, "Matthew and Adrianna were the best parents anyone could ask for. Our hearts will forever have a hole in it."

In another related post, a family member, Amanda K. Myatt, shared a photo believed to represent the type of truck the suspect may be driving. The image could prove vital in helping authorities locate him. Law enforcement continues to urge the public to remain alert and report any sightings of the vehicle.

The investigation into the deaths of four family members and the safe recovery of an infant remains ongoing. Authorities continue to search for the suspect and are urging the public to come forward with any information that may assist in the case.