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2 men described as “associates” of the suspect in a quadruple homicide in Tennessee earlier this week have been arrested on suspicion of helping the fugitive, authorities said Saturday
Special agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation arrested Tanaka Brown on Friday and Giovonte Thomas on Saturday, the agency said.
Brown and Thomas, both 29 and from Jackson, have been charged with accessory after the fact to first-degree murder, the bureau said in a statement. Brown also faces one count of tampering with evidence.
Brown is being held without bond in Lake County Jail. Thomas will be transferred there from the Madison County Jail, where he was being held on an unrelated charge of failure to appear, the bureau said.
The two men are accused of helping Austin Robert Drummond, 28, who remained at large Saturday night. Authorities have been searching for Drummond in connection with the deaths of four people Tuesday in Tiptonville.
The four bodies were discovered after an infant was found abandoned in a car seat in Dyer County, setting off a scramble to find the baby’s guardians, Stephen Sutton, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s offices in Lake and Dyer counties, said at a Friday news conference.
“The baby is safe and is being cared for,” Sutton said.
Drummond has been charged with four counts of first-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping, possession of a gun during a dangerous felony, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, according to the U.S. Marshals Service.
Drummond was out on bond when the killings took place, Danny Goodman, district attorney for Dyer and Lake counties, said Friday.
He had been released on bond related to an incident that allegedly took place in prison, where he was serving time for aggravated robbery, Goodman said.
It’s not clear whether Drummond, Brown or Thomas have retained legal counsel. The public defender’s office for the judicial district that covers Lake and Dyer counties was not available to provide information late Saturday.
Drummond is described as armed and dangerous, and anyone who spots him was asked to call 911.
“Getting Austin Drummond in custody is a priority,” the U.S. Marshals Service said.
Two vehicles associated with Drummond have been found, authorities said. A white 1988 Ford pickup with red side panels was located in Dyer County on Saturday, and authorities are asking anyone with security video of the truck to send it to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
Drummond’s white 2016 Audi A3 was found abandoned Friday in Jackson, about 74 miles southeast of Tiptonville, the bureau said.
He is believed to still be in the Jackson area, bureau Director David B. Rausch said Friday.
“This incident has this community on edge,” Rausch said.
Jackson is about 87 miles northeast of Memphis.
Authorities have previously identified the victims as Matthew Wilson, 21, the abandoned child’s father; Adrianna Williams, 20, the mother; Cortney Rose, 38, the maternal grandmother; and Braydon Williams, 15, the maternal uncle.
Authorities haven’t said how they died but have described their deaths as the result of murder.
“There is a familial relationship between the suspect and the family,” Rausch said.
A relative of the victims said Thursday in a Facebook post that the suspect has “literally been nothing short of amazing to us and our kids.” According to the post, Drummond previously dated a sister of Rose.
Rausch said the suspect showed a sign of compassion — dropping the child off — so “there is hope for him to be able to come in and have a conversation about what happened.”
Manhunt Tightens: Two Arrested for Assisting Suspected Tennessee Quadruple Killer
The investigation into the shocking quadruple homicide in western Tennessee gained pace this past weekend, as the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) apprehended two individuals accused of aiding the main suspect, Austin Robert Drummond. Drummond remains the focus of a sweeping manhunt following the grisly slayings of four family members, while a helpless infant was discovered abandoned nearby.The Washington PostPeople.com
Who Are the Arrested?
Tanaka Brown, 29, of Jackson, Tenn., was taken into custody and is being held without bond at Lake County Jail. He faces charges including accessory after the fact to first-degree murder and tampering with evidence.https://www.kplctv.comPeople.com
Giovonte Thomas, also 29 and from Jackson, was serving time at Madison County Jail on an unrelated charge. He has since been transferred to Lake County for arraignment on accessory charges related to first-degree murder.https://www.kplctv.comPeople.com
While the TBI has confirmed their arrests, the specifics of how Brown and Thomas aided Drummond—whether through providing shelter, warnings, supplies, or transport—have not been detailed publicly.https://www.kplctv.com
Crime Scene and the Manhunt
On July 29, authorities responded to a harrowing scene: a seven-month-old infant, later identified as the daughter of two victims, was found abandoned in a car seat in a stranger’s yard in Tigrett. Hours later, four relatives—James “Matthew” Wilson (21), Adrianna Williams (20), Cortney Rose (38), and Braydon Williams (15)—were discovered dead in Lake County.The Washington PostPeople.com
Drummond was quickly identified as a prime suspect. He’s now wanted on multiple charges including four counts of first-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping, weapons offenses, and possibly a death penalty case, should he be convicted.AP NewsPeople.comThe Washington Post Meanwhile, the TBI and U.S. Marshals have ramped up their search, offering combined rewards up to $17,500 for tips leading to his arrest.People.comThe Washington Post
Arrests Put Pressure on Fugitive
The apprehension of Brown and Thomas marks a critical escalation in the investigation, denying Drummond potential access to assistance as he remains at large. Officials also recovered what appear to be two vehicles connected to Drummond—a damaged Audi A3 in Jackson, and a 1988 white Ford pickup truck (red stripe) near Dyer County—both now seized as crucial evidence.The SunThe Washington Post
These arrests have intensified the urgency surrounding the manhunt. Authorities continue to urge vigilance among locals, especially around Jackson and surrounding areas, where Drummond is believed to possibly still be hiding. He has been described as armed and dangerous, and the public is strongly discouraged from attempting contact.The SunThe Washington PostAP News
Public Safety and Legal Response
As the legal machinery moves forward, preliminary hearings for Brown, Thomas, and a third accused—Dearrah Sanders—are scheduled for early September. The prosecution, led by Lake County District Attorney Danny Goodman, has not ruled out seeking the death penalty against Drummond.AP NewsPeople.com
This case strikes a chord not just for its brutality but also because Drummond was out on bond at the time of the killings, with a criminal history that includes armed robbery and an attempt against a prison guard. His prior release and subsequent alleged actions raise difficult questions about bail and risk assessment.The Scottish SunAP News
Quick Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Crime Date | July 29, 2025 |
| Victims | Four family members found murdered; 7‑month‑old infant safe |
| Primary Suspect | Austin Robert Drummond, 28 |
| Arrested Associates | Tanaka Brown & Giovonte Thomas, both 29, charged as accessories |
| Means of Aid | Under investigation |
| Vehicles Found | Damaged Audi A3 and white Ford pickup (red stripe) |
| Manhunt Status | Ongoing; Drummond armed and dangerous |
| Rewards | Up to $17,500 offered |
| Legal Moves Ahead | Preliminary hearings in September; death penalty possible |
The arrests of Brown and Thomas represent a pivotal stride in the ongoing probe, while the net continues to tighten around Drummond. As authorities close in, the community, law enforcement, and justice system remain on high alert to ensure safety and accountability.