Jackson-area residents finally got a restful night’s sleep after authorities captured Austin Robert Drummond, the 28-year-old suspect in a brutal quadruple homicide in Lake County. His arrest on Tuesday morning, August 5, ended a tense, weeklong manhunt that had kept much of West Tennessee on edge.
Drummond was found in the woods near 15 Windwood Hills. According to authorities, the arrest was made without incident.
“He did not resist,” said TBI Director David Rausch during a press conference. “We are grateful to the vigilant citizens who helped bring this case to a close.”
The break came thanks to Ricardo Contreras, who noticed a man entering the woods behind a property and immediately called 911.
Contreras and his crew were painting at a house when they heard something moving in the woods.
“I had a feeling that was him,” Contreras told reporters. “You could just tell he didn’t belong back there. I called police right away, and they was still on the phone with [911] when [police] got here.”
It was later discovered that Drummond had been bedding down in an abandoned pool house near the intersection of Pipkin Road and Ashport Road in Jackson, just days after he was spotted on surveillance footage walking through residential neighborhoods in camouflage and carrying what appeared to be a rifle.
Drummond is accused of killing four members of his girlfriend’s family in Tiptonville, Tennessee, including her mother, stepfather, and two younger siblings. He then allegedly fled the scene.
Drummond then allegedly left the couple’s infant daughter in a stranger’s front yard several counties away. Authorities said she was unharmed.
Following the murders on July 29, law enforcement agencies across multiple counties coordinated a search that involved drones, helicopters, and K9 units. Widespread shelter-in-place alerts were issued in Jackson as sightings of Drummond were reported and verified by video footage. Schools and businesses remained on high alert.
Investigators have not publicly stated a motive. Charges include four counts of first-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping, and multiple firearm offenses. They are expected to seek the death penalty.
“This is one of the most disturbing cases I’ve ever seen,” said Lake County Sheriff John Frank. “But today, our community can begin to heal.”
Three others were also arrested and charged with accessory after the fact: Tanaka Brown, Giovonte Thomas, and Dearrah Sanders. They are accused of helping Drummond evade law enforcement in the days following the killings.
Drummond is in custody without bond in Obion County. He is expected to be arraigned Wednesday.
