The man accused of murdering four members of a family he allegedly “knew” just months after being released from prison was once described in a parole board letter as someone who is “not capable of living among society,” with calls to his father showing how he threatened jurors after his trial, saying “They are going to regret it” and “I’ll be out one day,” according to prosecutors.
The letter, written by 26th District Attorney General Jody Pickens, was sent to the Tennessee Board of Parole in June 2020, as Austin Drummond — who was still being sought Sunday for the murders of James Matthew Wilson, 21, Adrianna Williams, 20, Cortney Rose, 38, and Braydon Williams, 15 — was set to be released early that July in connection with an armed robbery he committed at a gas station. The 28-year-old received a 13-year sentence for stealing $44 from a Circle K while armed, according to court records.
“This office strongly opposes his early release on parole,” Pickens said, describing Drummond as a “dangerous felony offender” and confirmed member of the Vice Lords street and prison gang.
“He entered a Circle K convenience store and pointed a revolver pistol at the victim in this case as he demanded money from her,” according to Pickens. “After his jury trial, Drummond made a phone call to his father where he threatened the jurors and the victim in this case.”
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation announced Saturday that two suspects were arrested over the weekend and charged with accessory after the fact to first-degree murder. There have been no details released about how they “assisted” Drummond. Tanaka Brown and Giovonte Thomas are both 29 years old.
According to court records reviewed by Law&Crime, Drummond has multiple convictions on his record, including robbery and a “retaliate for past action” charge, which occurs when someone harms or threatens someone in response to their previous involvement in legal proceedings. According to local CBS affiliate WREG, the retaliation charge stemmed from Drummond’s threats directed at jurors, which Pickens mentioned in his letter.
“Drummonds behavior while in prison should also be taken into consideration,” according to Pickens! “He has 25 disciplinary actions against him that include refusing orders, drug possession, defiance, and being in possession of a deadly weapon.”
Prosecutors say Drummond was charged with attempted murder after serving his sentence for robbery in connection with an incident he allegedly participated in while incarcerated, along with contraband in a penal facility. Photos on Drummond’s Facebook page, which authorities are using to share images of him during the ongoing manhunt, allegedly show him eating pizza and drinking alcohol while inside.
He is even seen playing a Nintendo Switch in one alleged post.
“This type of behavior clearly demonstrates that Drummond has no desire for rehabilitation,” Mr. Pickens said. “And is not capable of living among society.”
According to TBI officials, federal investigators and TBI agents have been on the ground in Tennessee assisting police with the “tragic” death investigation since the bodies of Drummond’s alleged victims were discovered Tuesday, July 29, in Lake County along Carrington Road in Tiptonville. The investigation began when Wilson and Williams’ 7-month-old daughter was discovered in a “random individual’s front yard” around 3:10 p.m. that day, according to police. The victims were discovered approximately five hours later.
