MEMPHIS, Tenn. — WREG Investigators uncovered new audio that has suspected mass murderer Austin Drummond defending himself as to why he had a weapon behind bars and used it in a fight years before he was arrested for the murder of four people last week.
The audio was recorded on July 23, 2020 when Austin Drummond went before the Tennessee Board of Parole.
He’d been serving a 13-year sentence at a state prison in Lake County.
Drummond’s disciplinary infractions from the previous year were discussed during the hearing.
“Looks like you have some pending [charges] right now for drugs and a cell phone,” said the parole board member.
“Those haven’t been handled yet,” Drummond responded.
On top of that, he’d been in solitary confinement for 90 days for possession of a deadly weapon, an assault with that weapon, refusing a drug test, a security threat, and refusing to participate.
“Looks like you’ve had about 27 incidents total in total. Seven of them Class As. Seven Class Bs. We’ve had threats, deadly weapons, violation of state law, threats, and etc. Does that sound right?” the parole board member asked.
“Yes sir. The assault and deadly weapon, it came after, it was self-defense. I was almost beat to death. That’s where that came from,” Drummond said.
The parole board records don’t delve into Drummond’s entire disciplinary record while in prison.
In 2023, photos reportedly posted to Drummond’s Facebook page show him with premium liquor, streaming devices, video games and multiple phones.
Drummond also picked up contraband, attempted murder, drug, and weapon charges during the end of his sentence.
The parole board file confirmed he’s a member of the Vice Lords gang, and he only finished the 10th grade.
He was tried as an adult after a video showed him at 17 years old in a gas station in Jackson pointing a pistol at a clerk.
“It was a BB Gun,” Drummond told the parole board member. “Honestly, I was on Xanax that night. I don’t even remember doing it.”
He told the board he was using Xanax, alcohol, and marijuana around that time.
“Then you’ve got 13 counts retaliation for past action. Tell me about this,” asked the parole board member.
“Yes, sir. After my trial and after I was convicted, I was on the phone with my dad, and I made a comment I would be out soon, and I had the jury information,” he said.
Drummond confirmed he made threats to go after them.
The district attorney in Jackson sent a letter opposing an early release, stating in part that Drummond “has no desire for rehabilitation and is not capable of living among society.”
Drummonds stated as of 2020, he had only completed one program promoting pro-social behavior. He received his GED, but had not completed any vocational programs.
The parole board voted unanimously against an early release.
Drummond was on the run since July 29, when the bodies of James Wilson, 21, Adrianna Williams, 20, Cortney Rose, 38, and Braydon Williams, 15, were found along Carrington Road in Tiptonville. An infant who was related to the victims was also found safe in front of a house in Dyer County. The baby is safe and healthy, authorities said.
Drummond was captured Tuesday. He’s now facing four counts of First Degree Murder, one count of Aggravated Kidnapping, four counts of Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and one count of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Dangerous Felony.
Drummond was in court Thursday. He was denied bond.
To hear the full recording:
WREG Investigators continue to dig deeper into this case and will keep you updated on what we find out.