The dramatic manhunt for Austin Drummond, the prime suspect in a quadruple murder case in Lake County, Tennessee, came to an unexpected but fortunate end Tuesday morning when a Jackson resident, Ricardo Contreras Mendoza, spotted Drummond walking in the woods and promptly called the police. Mendoza’s timely action and keen observation led to the apprehension of the fugitive who had evaded capture for nearly a week.
Drummond, who is accused of murdering four members of the same family on August 1, 2025, was on the run since the discovery of the bodies. His arrest followed a multi-agency search that escalated after several key sightings in Jackson, Tennessee, culminating in the shelter-in-place alert and a heightened police presence throughout the city.
The Beginning of the Manhunt
The tragedy that prompted the manhunt began on August 1, when the bodies of Raymond, Lucy, Trevor, and Ella Carter were discovered in their Lake County home. The murder of these four family members shocked the local community and prompted a rapid investigation by the Jackson Police Department and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI).
Drummond, a known acquaintance of the family, quickly became the prime suspect. Authorities soon learned that Drummond had fled the scene, and his vehicle was located in Jackson, Tennessee, on Friday, August 3. This discovery suggested that Drummond was hiding in the area, and an intense search began.
Escalating Search Efforts in Jackson
The search for Drummond intensified over the next several days, with law enforcement deploying multiple resources and blocking off key roads near Jacksonโs Pleasant Plains and Country Club areas. The situation escalated further on Sunday evening, August 4, when a home surveillance camera in the 700 block of Pipkin Road captured footage of Drummond wearing camouflage, carrying a rifle, and attempting to break into a home.
This sighting prompted authorities to issue a shelter-in-place alert for the surrounding neighborhoods of Saddlebrook Drive and Bridlepath Drive in Jackson. Residents were advised to remain indoors, lock all doors and windows, and avoid unnecessary travel. This public safety measure led to heightened concern among the local population as the manhunt reached its peak.
On Monday, August 4, Union University, located in Jackson, was placed on lockdown after further reports of Drummond being in the area. Law enforcement agencies, including SWAT teams, continued to comb the region, searching for the fugitive while ensuring the safety of students, faculty, and residents.
Ricardo Contreras Mendozaโs Role in Drummondโs Capture
The decisive moment in Drummondโs capture came on the morning of Tuesday, August 5. According to law enforcement officials, Ricardo Contreras Mendoza, a resident of Jackson, spotted Drummond walking in the woods. Without hesitation, Mendoza contacted the Jackson Police Department and reported the sighting. The exact details of how Mendoza managed to detain Drummond have not yet been released, but police confirmed that he played a critical role in holding the fugitive until officers arrived.
โWe cannot overstate how pivotal Mr. Mendozaโs role was in bringing this suspect to justice. His swift action and sharp observation helped bring a dangerous fugitive into custody, and we are thankful for his courage.โ โ Jackson Police Chief Chris M. Garner
Mendozaโs heroic actions have been praised by law enforcement and the local community. By quickly contacting the police, Mendoza ensured that Drummond was unable to flee the area and that a highly dangerous individual was no longer a threat to the public. This act of vigilance and courage has made Mendoza a local hero, and many residents have expressed their gratitude for his role in ending the manhunt.
Drummondโs Capture and Surrender
Austin Drummond, 34, was taken into custody without incident shortly after Mendozaโs call. The fugitive, who had managed to evade capture for nearly a week, was escorted by law enforcement officers to a secure location for processing. Authorities have not yet revealed whether Drummond was carrying a weapon or any other items at the time of his arrest.
Drummond had been on the run since August 1, when four members of the Carter family were found dead in their home. Drummond is expected to face multiple charges, including four counts of first-degree murder. Investigators are working to piece together the details of his movements during his week-long flight from justice.
Police also confirmed that they are investigating whether Drummond had any assistance during his time on the run. The search and investigation are ongoing, with authorities urging the public to continue reporting any information that could help them in the case.
Community Impact and Safety Concerns
The events of the past week have left the Jackson community shaken, but Drummondโs capture has brought a sense of relief. The heightened police presence, multiple lockdowns, and shelter-in-place orders had created an atmosphere of tension and uncertainty throughout the city. Residents were fearful that the fugitive could be hiding close by, and there were concerns about the safety of families and children in the area.
Local schools, businesses, and universities had to adjust their schedules in response to the increasing threat, with many opting to cancel or delay activities for the safety of students and staff. However, Drummondโs capture has allowed the community to begin to return to normalcy, although the emotional toll of the crimes committed still lingers.
The Carter Familyโs Tragedy and Investigation
The Carter familyโs grief continues to weigh heavily on the community as they process the loss of four beloved members. Raymond and Lucy Carter, along with their two children, Trevor and Ella, were well-known in the local area, and their tragic deaths have left a void in the lives of many.
The investigation into the murders is ongoing, and authorities are working diligently to uncover the full details of what led to the senseless killings. Drummondโs motive remains unclear, and investigators are trying to piece together his relationship with the family and the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Drummond is believed to have had a history with the Carter family, but officials have not yet confirmed the nature of his relationship with the victims. Law enforcement is also looking into whether Drummond had any previous criminal history that may have played a role in the tragic events.
A Communityโs Gratitude and Moving Forward
As the investigation continues, the residents of Jackson are expressing their gratitude for the swift action of local law enforcement and for the heroic efforts of Ricardo Contreras Mendoza. Mendozaโs actions have been widely praised, and his bravery has made him a role model in the community.
โIโm just glad I could help,โ Mendoza said in a brief statement following the capture. โIt was just the right thing to do. I couldnโt sit idly by knowing someone was in danger. Iโm just thankful the police arrived quickly and that the situation ended without further harm.โ
While Drummondโs capture is a significant step forward in the case, the Jackson community knows that there is still a long road ahead to achieve justice for the Carter family. As the investigation into the quadruple murder continues, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward and assist in piecing together the details of the crime.
Conclusion: The Ongoing Investigation
With Drummond in custody, the focus now shifts to the legal proceedings and the investigation into the tragic deaths of the Carter family. Law enforcement officials are working to ensure that justice is served and that those responsible for the horrific crime are held accountable. The residents of Jackson, while relieved that the fugitive is no longer a threat, continue to mourn the loss of the Carter family and remain committed to supporting their loved ones during this difficult time.
The Jackson Police Department continues to ask for any further tips or information regarding the case, urging the public to report any relevant details to help close this chapter in the investigation.
For anyone with information, the Jackson Police Department can be reached at 731-425-8400.