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Monday 23/02/2026

Dual Manhunts: Tennessee Suspect Arrested, Montana Search Intensifies

Police in Tennessee and Montana conducting manhunts for suspects
Sofia RomanoSofia Romano

In This Article

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Austin Robert Drummond was arrested in Tennessee after a weeklong manhunt for allegedly killing four family members and abandoning a baby.
  • Drummond faces multiple charges, including four counts of first-degree murder and aggravated kidnapping.
  • In Montana, a separate manhunt continues for Michael Paul Brown, suspected of killing four people at a bar.
  • Montana authorities have deployed the national guard and are using drones and canine units in their search for Brown.
  • Both cases have prompted significant law enforcement mobilization and public safety alerts.

In a dramatic conclusion to a weeklong manhunt, Austin Robert Drummond was apprehended in rural Tennessee, bringing relief to a community on edge. Drummond, 28, is accused of a targeted killing spree against his girlfriend's family, leaving four dead and an infant abandoned. The arrest unfolded after residents near Jackson, Tennessee, were advised to shelter in place as authorities closed in on the suspect. Drummond faces serious charges, including four counts of first-degree murder and aggravated kidnapping.

The victims, identified as James M. Wilson, Adrianna Williams, Cortney Rose, and Braydon Williams, were found dead in Tiptonville, Tennessee. The discovery of the abandoned baby on July 29 triggered a statewide search for Drummond, who was eventually captured in a wooded area near Jackson. "The arrest marks an important step in restoring safety to our community," said Jackson Police Chief Thom Corley.

Meanwhile, in Montana, a separate manhunt is underway for Michael Paul Brown, a former US soldier suspected of killing four people at the Owl Bar in Anaconda. The search, now in its fifth day, has mobilized over three dozen law enforcement agencies, including the Montana national guard. Brown, considered armed and dangerous, allegedly fled the scene in a stolen vehicle stocked with supplies.

Montana Governor Greg Gianforte has signed an executive order to allocate more resources to the search effort. Authorities have closed off a 22-square-mile area of forest southwest of Anaconda, utilizing drones and canine units to locate Brown. The victims of the bar shooting have been identified as Nancy Lauretta Kelley, Daniel Edwin Baillie, David Allen Leach, and Tony Wayne Palm.

Both cases have highlighted the challenges faced by law enforcement in coordinating large-scale manhunts and ensuring public safety. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and Montana authorities continue to urge the public to remain vigilant and report any sightings.

WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN

The arrest of Austin Robert Drummond in Tennessee may lead to a swift legal process, with prosecutors likely to pursue the maximum penalties given the severity of the charges. The case could also prompt discussions on parole policies, as Drummond had been released from prison despite warnings from a district attorney.

In Montana, the ongoing search for Michael Paul Brown remains a top priority. If captured, Brown's military background and mental health history may become focal points in understanding the motives behind the bar shooting. The case could influence future policies on mental health support for veterans and the handling of armed suspects.

Both situations underscore the importance of inter-agency cooperation and resource allocation in managing high-profile criminal cases, with potential implications for law enforcement strategies nationwide.

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Additional article image
Image Source: Facebook/Jackson Police Department