Courtney Rose Obituary: Mother of Abandoned Child Found Dead in Tennessee Yard
Courtney Rose Obituary: Mother of Abandoned Child Found Dead in Tennessee Yard
Tennessee – A shocking and heartbreaking tragedy is unfolding in Dyer and Lake counties, where authorities say a baby was found abandoned in a front yard just hours before four of the infant’s relatives — including the child’s mother, father, and grandmother — were discovered dead in a nearby wooded area.
Among the deceased was Courtney Rose, 38, identified as the maternal grandmother of the infant. Law enforcement officials have confirmed that she was one of four victims found in Tiptonville, roughly 40 miles north of Tigrett, where the baby was first discovered.
Who Was Courtney Rose?
Courtney Rose was a 38-year-old mother and grandmother who lived in Tennessee. She was described by those close to her as a devoted family member and caring figure in her household. Her life was tragically cut short in an act of violence that has left a community grieving and authorities searching for answers.
Rose died alongside her daughter, Adrianna Williams, 20, her daughter’s boyfriend, Matthew Wilson, 21, and her teenage son, Braydon Williams, 15. All four were found deceased in a remote wooded area in Lake County on the evening of Tuesday, following a multi-county investigation sparked by the discovery of an abandoned infant.
Timeline of Events: Baby Found Abandoned
The incident began Tuesday afternoon when a 911 caller in Tigrett, Tennessee reported finding an infant in a car seat left on a random lawn. The child, believed to be less than one year old, was described as alert and healthy, and was quickly taken into care by medical personnel.
The Dyer County Sheriff’s Office released a photo of the child being held by a paramedic and appealed for the public’s help in identifying the baby’s family. Just hours later, the investigation took a grim turn when four bodies were discovered in neighboring Lake County, linked directly to the infant.
Victims Identified in Tennessee Quadruple Homicide
The victims have been identified as:
-
Courtney Rose, 38 – Maternal grandmother
-
Adrianna Williams, 20 – Mother of the child
-
Matthew Wilson, 21 – Father of the child
-
Braydon Williams, 15 – Maternal uncle
Authorities confirmed the victims were all related and were found together in a remote wooded area in Tiptonville.
Suspect Wanted: Austin Robert Drummond
On Thursday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) named Austin Robert Drummond, 29, as the primary suspect. He is wanted on four counts of first-degree murder and related firearm charges.
Drummond is considered armed and dangerous and is believed to be driving a 2016 Audi A3. No motive has yet been released, and authorities continue to search for him across state lines.
“This is a deeply saddening day for our community,” said Dyer County Sheriff Jeff Box. “We are committed to uncovering the truth and ensuring justice is served.”
Ongoing Investigation: Federal and State Agencies Involved
The case has sparked a massive multi-agency manhunt, with assistance from:
-
The FBI
-
The U.S. Marshals Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force
-
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
-
Local and county law enforcement agencies
As the search for the suspect intensifies, the infant remains in the care of medical personnel and child protective services.
Remembering Courtney Rose and Her Family
Family members and community members are mourning the loss of Courtney Rose and her loved ones. A GoFundMe campaign and vigil are expected to be announced to honor their memory.
Rose leaves behind a legacy of love and strength — and a surviving grandchild who, thanks to a good Samaritan, was spared from the same tragic fate.
The Courtney Rose obituary now stands as part of a devastating story that has shaken western Tennessee. As authorities search for Austin Drummond, communities are left grieving and rallying around the surviving child.
Anyone with information about Drummond’s whereabouts is urged to contact the TBI or their local law enforcement agency immediately.