Dyersburg, TN — Two men have been charged as accessories in a horrific quadruple homicide that unfolded in Tennessee earlier this week, in a case that has left a seven-month-old baby girl abandoned and a family shattered.
According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), Tanaka Brown and Giovonte Thomas, both 29, have been charged with accessory after the fact to first-degree murder. Brown also faces an additional charge of tampering with evidence.
Infant Found Alone — Hours Before Bodies Discovered
The case began on Monday afternoon, when deputies with the Dyer County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a dark-colored minivan seen leaving a baby in a car seat on a stranger’s front lawn.
The infant, later identified as the daughter of two of the victims, was taken into protective custody and is now safe, according to authorities.
“She was just sitting there in her car seat. It was absolutely heartbreaking,” a neighbor told local reporters.
Only hours after the child was found, officers discovered the bodies of four victims inside a residence. The deceased were identified as:
- James Wilson, 21
- Adrianna Williams, 20
- Cortney Rose, 38
- Braydon Williams, 15
Officials later confirmed that Wilson and Adrianna Williams were the baby’s parents, and Rose was the mother of both Adrianna and Braydon.
Main Suspect Still at Large
On Friday, the TBI named Austin Robert Drummond, 28, as the prime suspect in the murders. He is wanted on four counts of first-degree murder, as well as aggravated kidnapping and weapons violations.
“He should be considered armed and dangerous,” the TBI warned in a Saturday press release.
Authorities believe Drummond had a relationship with the victims, suggesting the killings were a targeted act. Investigators located the vehicle Drummond was believed to be driving, but he remains at large as of Sunday.
Drummond’s criminal history includes prior convictions for armed robbery, threatening jurors, and an attempted murder charge while incarcerated.
Arrests and Legal Proceedings Underway
Brown was taken into custody on Friday and is currently being held at Lake County Jail. Thomas, already in custody at Madison County Jail on unrelated charges, will be transferred to Lake County to face arraignment.
Authorities have not disclosed the exact nature of how Brown and Thomas allegedly assisted Drummond, and a motive has not been publicly released. There is also no word on how the baby ended up 40 miles away from the crime scene.
Phone numbers and legal representation for both Brown and Thomas could not be located. The Associated Press reported no response from Drummond’s former attorney.
Ongoing Investigation and Family Tragedy
As the investigation continues, community members are mourning the tragic loss of life. Officials say they are doing everything they can to bring Drummond into custody, and protect the surviving child now orphaned by the violence.
“This was a targeted and violent act, and we are asking for the public’s help,” said TBI Director David Rausch.
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