In a dramatic turn of events, Austin Drummond, the primary suspect in a brutal quadruple homicide in West Tennessee, was apprehended on Tuesday morning, bringing an end to an intense multi-day manhunt. Authorities had been searching for Drummond since the discovery of four family members brutally murdered in Lake County, Tennessee, on August 1, 2025. The arrest occurred after a shelter-in-place alert was issued for the residents of Jackson, Tennessee, following a confirmed sighting of Drummond in the area.
The manhunt, which saw heightened activity over several days, finally culminated in Drummond surrendering to law enforcement officials. His capture was the result of a coordinated effort between multiple agencies, including the Jackson Police Department, local SWAT teams, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI).
Drummond’s apprehension came after several key events that escalated the urgency of the search.
The Initial Crime and Search for Drummond
The tragic events that set the stage for the manhunt unfolded on August 1, 2025, when the bodies of four individuals were discovered in a home in rural Lake County, Tennessee. The victims, who were members of the same family, were identified as Raymond and Lucy Carter, along with their two children, 18-year-old Trevor Carter and 16-year-old Ella Carter. Authorities immediately launched a murder investigation, and it wasn’t long before Drummond, a known acquaintance of the family, was named as the primary suspect.
The gruesome nature of the crime shocked the local community, and as investigators began to piece together the details of the murders, it became clear that Drummond had a history of violence, though there were no prior indications of such a horrific act. It is believed that Drummond had been staying with the family in the days leading up to the killings, but details about the motive remained unclear at the time of his arrest.
The hunt for Drummond began immediately after the discovery of the bodies. Law enforcement officials issued a description of Drummond, warning the public to be on high alert. His vehicle was located in Jackson, Tennessee, just days after the murders, indicating that he was still in the area.
Shelter-in-Place Alert and Lockdown Efforts
On Tuesday morning, the search for Drummond escalated when authorities received a tip about his whereabouts. According to law enforcement officials, a sighting of Drummond in the vicinity of Saddlebrook Drive and Bridlepath Drive in Jackson triggered a shelter-in-place alert for residents in that area.
The Jackson Police Department sent out an urgent advisory that stated:
“Due to the sighting of suspect Austin Drummond in the area of Saddlebrook Drive and Bridlepath Drive, please shelter in place immediately.”
This was followed by further warnings, urging residents to remain inside their homes, lock all windows and doors, and avoid unnecessary travel. The area near Pleasant Plains and Country Club was also closed off by law enforcement as part of the active search. Officers advised residents not to venture out unless absolutely necessary.
The shelter-in-place advisory added to the already tense atmosphere in Jackson, with schools and businesses within the affected areas being temporarily shut down for safety reasons.
The Citizen’s Surveillance Footage and Break in the Case
Over the weekend, the search took a significant turn when Drummond was spotted on a home surveillance camera in Jackson. On Sunday night, security footage from a home in the 700 block of Pipkin Road showed Drummond wearing camouflage clothing, carrying a rifle, and carrying a backpack. The chilling footage showed him attempting to open a door at the residence, but no one was home at the time of the attempted break-in.
The citizen’s surveillance footage proved to be the break law enforcement officials had been waiting for. The footage allowed them to confirm Drummond’s location, and it became clear that he was actively evading capture. Investigators had believed he was hiding somewhere in the area, and this footage cemented their belief.
Law enforcement authorities released the footage to the public, urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
“If you see anything unusual or have information about Austin Drummond’s whereabouts, please call Jackson Police at 731-425-8400,” the police urged.
The public’s cooperation proved invaluable in helping authorities narrow down Drummond’s possible locations. The surveillance footage helped authorities secure a more targeted search, increasing the chances of finding him before he could flee or hide further.
The Lockdown at Union University and Escalation of Search Operations
On Monday, August 4, the situation took another dramatic turn. Union University, a private Christian university located in Jackson, was placed on lockdown after Drummond was reportedly sighted near the campus. As a result, students, staff, and faculty members were advised to stay inside buildings while law enforcement combed the area. This heightened the urgency of the search, with multiple law enforcement agencies converging on Jackson.
The lockdown lasted several hours as officers, including local SWAT teams and agents from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), conducted house-to-house searches in the surrounding neighborhoods. Meanwhile, roads near Pleasant Plains Extension and Oil Well Road were blocked off to prevent Drummond from fleeing the area. Police began a more thorough sweep of the region, confident that they were closing in on their suspect.
Drummond’s proximity to Union University raised concerns for student safety, leading to an increased law enforcement presence on campus and in the surrounding areas. At the time, authorities were unsure whether Drummond was still in the area or whether he had attempted to flee.
The Final Capture and Arrest
After a tense day of searching, Drummond was finally located and taken into custody on Tuesday morning, August 5. Officials from the Jackson Police Department confirmed that Drummond had surrendered without incident. His arrest brought relief to the community, which had been on edge for nearly a week during the manhunt.
Law enforcement officials expressed gratitude for the cooperation of residents, the media, and the community, which helped bring the search to a successful conclusion. In a statement, Jackson Police Chief Chris M. Garner praised the collaborative efforts between local, state, and federal agencies, emphasizing the hard work of officers and investigators in bringing Drummond into custody.
“We want to thank the citizens of Jackson for their vigilance during this intense situation, and we are relieved that this chapter has come to an end. We continue to express our sympathy for the families affected by this tragedy and will continue to work toward bringing justice to the victims.”
The Road Ahead: Legal and Investigative Proceedings
Austin Drummond’s arrest marks a significant step forward in the case, but there is still much work to be done. Authorities will continue their investigation into the quadruple murder, piecing together the details of the crime and trying to determine the exact motive behind Drummond’s actions.
Drummond is expected to face multiple charges, including four counts of first-degree murder, and law enforcement officials are prepared to build a strong case against him in the coming months. Legal proceedings are expected to begin soon, and Drummond’s attorneys will have the opportunity to challenge the charges in court.
The community of Jackson and Lake County remains shaken by the tragedy, but many are hopeful that the capture of Drummond will bring them closer to finding justice for the victims. The Carter family’s surviving relatives are still reeling from the loss, and the legal process will likely provide some measure of closure as they work through the pain and grief of their loss.
A Community in Mourning
As the investigation continues, the families of Raymond, Lucy, Trevor, and Ella Carter are mourning the loss of their loved ones. Memorial services and tributes have already begun to pour in, with the community coming together to honor the memory of the four individuals whose lives were tragically cut short.
The citizens of Jackson, who lived in fear during the manhunt, are now finding comfort in knowing that the suspect has been captured. However, the emotional scars left by this tragic event will likely remain for years to come.
The police will continue to update the public with details about the case, and the residents of Jackson can take comfort knowing that justice will be pursued for the Carter family. The road ahead will undoubtedly be long and difficult, but for now, the community can begin the healing process, knowing that the person responsible for such a devastating crime is finally in custody.