MEMPHIS, Tenn. — An investigation is underway in Lake County after four people were found dead on Carrington Road in Tiptonville, and they are all related to a baby who was abandoned in Dyer County on Tuesday.
The bodies found have been identified as James Wilson, 21, Adrianna Williams, 20, Courtney Rose, 38, and Braydon Williams, 15, according to Kim Wheeler, Public Information Officer for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation in the West Region.
It appears the incident involves the ongoing investigation of a baby found in someone’s front yard on Tuesday. The child was found in a baby seat at a residence on Old Highway 20 near the Tigrett area.
The local district attorney, Danny Goodman Jr., confirmed Wednesday that the baby was related to those who were found deceased.
A deputy said that a dark-colored minivan or white midsize SUV was reported to have dropped off a baby at a random person’s home. The baby was not hurt and was identified.
After the baby was identified, the sheriff’s office said they wanted to speak with Rose, Wilson, and Williams.
Investigators have not disclosed what led them to Carrington Road, but they confirmed the identities of the victims. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) is involved in the case, and the investigation remains active.
“They, I believe, are all from northwest Tennessee, but I cannot confirm whether they are from Tiptonville, Lake County, Dyer County. I’m not sure at this time,” said Wheeler.
“This is still a very fluid investigation, and you’re going to have questions we just cannot answer at this point,” said Wheeler.
WREG reported that two vehicles were towed from the scene on Wednesday, a white SUV and a dark-colored sedan, which appeared to be a Dodge Charger and possibly had bullet holes.
The presence of law enforcement has raised concerns among local residents.
Melissa Peal, a resident of Proctor City Community in Lake County, described seeing a large number of law enforcement vehicles from Dyer County and Lake County arriving at the scene.
“We knew something was wrong,” she said.
The area where the bodies were found is described as a wildlife refuge, popular for canoe trips and recreational activities.
“It’s a refuge, it’s a wildlife refuge, and they do canoe trips on the weekends down there, and it’s just a place where the four wheelers and golf carts people ride and enjoy, you can’t even see the lake,” said Peal.
The TBI has urged the public to report any suspicious activity or individuals, as there may still be a suspect or suspects at large.
“There’s always concern when there is a suspect or suspects we have not caught yet,” said Wheeler.
If you have any information, you are urged to contact the Dyer County Sheriff’s Office at 731-285-2802 or contact TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND.
