2 men accused of being associated with the suspect were charged in 4 killings of relatives of abandoned babies
Tiptonville, Tenn. (AP) – Authorities searched for a person in the murder of a living parent, grandmother and an infant uncle in Tennessee on two other men in connection with the murder.
Tennessee’s Bureau of Investigation accused Tanaka Brown, 29, of Giovonte Thomas, of 29, of accessories following the first-degree murder. Investigators said both men “assisted” Austin Robert Drummond, 28.
Authorities have not addressed many issues, including how the men allegedly helped Drummond, the way relatives were killed and how the baby ended in a car seat in the Tigret area, about 40 miles (64.37 km) from the body.
Law enforcement officers are still looking for Drummond.
“He should be considered armed and dangerous,” the bureau announced charges against Thomas in a press release on Saturday. Brown also faced one charge of tampering with evidence and was arrested a day ago.
Thomas was detained in the Madison County Jail on irrelevant charges and will be transferred to the Lake County Jail for arraignment on new charges. Thomas’ listed phone number could not be found on Sunday.
Authorities said Brown was booked into the Lake County Jail. Brown’s listed number could not be found on Sunday. An email seeking comments was sent to Brown on Sunday.
On Friday, authorities said they discovered the car they thought Drummond was driving. It is located in Jackson, Tennessee, about 70 miles from where the body was found and about 40 miles from the baby.
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Director David Rausch said authorities believe it was a targeted attack by Drummond, who had a relationship with his family. Authorities say the baby is safe and cared for.
Authorities obtained Drummond’s arrest warrant, accusing him of four counts of first-degree murder, one serious crime of kidnapping and weapons. His criminal history includes prison time when robbing convenience stores and threatening to pursue jurors. He was also charged with attempted murder in prison.
The number list for Drummond cannot be found. The attorney representing him has not returned from the Associated Press.
Authorities have identified four people who were found dead in Tiptonville as 21-year-old James M. Wilson. Adrianna Williams, 20; Cortney Rose, 38; and Braydon Williams, 15.
Wilson and Adrianna Williams are the parents of the baby, and Rose is the mother of Adrianna and Braden Williams.
