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Drummond Arraigned on First-Degree Murder Charges as Prosecutors Seek Death Penalty

He is scheduled to return to court on August 14 after appearing via video for arraignment Thursday.

A photo shared by the Jackson Police Department shows Austin Drummond as he as being taken into custody on Tuesday, August 5. Drummond was captured in a wooded area shortly after 8am local time, according to authorities.
This photo provided by Tennessee Bureau of Investigation on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025 shows Austin Drummond, moments after having been taken into custody.
Judge Andrew T. Cook speaks to Austin Drummond via video conference during an arraignment in Tiptonville, Tennessee on August 7th.

Overview

  • He appeared via video in Tiptonville, where Lake County General Sessions Judge Andrew T. Cook ordered him held without bond.
  • District Attorney Danny Goodman told the court the state will pursue capital punishment in the case.
  • Drummond faces four counts of first-degree murder, one count of aggravated kidnapping and multiple firearms charges stemming from the July 29 shootings and abandonment of a 7-month-old.
  • Three Jackson residents—Tanaka Brown, Giovontie Thomas and Dearrah Sanders—have been charged as accessories after the fact to first-degree murder.
  • Court records show he served 13 years for a 2013 aggravated robbery and was out on bond for an attempted murder charge when the alleged quadruple slaying occurred.