It was a Tuesday afternoon in July when everything changed for a quiet community in West Tennessee. A baby, barely a few months old, was found sitting in a car seat on the front lawn of a complete stranger. No parents in sight. No explanation. Just a child abandoned in the heat.
This singular, heartbreaking image became the catalyst for uncovering one of the most devastating crimes in recent state history. At the center of this story is James Matthew Wilson II, a 21-year-old father whose life was cut short just as it was beginning to take shape.
He wasn't a celebrity or a public figure before this. He was a guy from Dyer County who loved his family, worked hard, and was incredibly excited about finally turning 21. Honestly, most people didn't know his name until it was scrolling across the bottom of news tickers.
The Events of July 29, 2025
For the Wilson family, July 29 started like any other day. Matthew, as he was known to his friends and family, had just celebrated his 21st birthday on July 2. He was 6-feet-5-inches tall—a literal giant to his younger siblings who looked up to him.
He was working with his dad at EnviroVac. He was doing well. He was proud.
Everything seemed fine until that afternoon. When the photo of the abandoned infant—Matthew’s daughter, Weslynne—started circulating on the Dyer County Sheriff’s Department Facebook page, his parents, Matt Wilson and Kim Hamil, knew something was deathly wrong.
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"We knew when that photo was posted and Matthew and Adrianna were nowhere to be found that something wasn't right," Matt Wilson told local reporters. "They'd never even let her stay overnight apart from them."
The search ended in Tiptonville, Tennessee. Inside a car parked on Carrington Road, authorities discovered four victims:
- James Matthew Wilson II, 21
- Adrianna Williams, 20 (Matthew’s girlfriend and Weslynne’s mother)
- Cortney Rose, 38 (Adrianna’s mother)
- Braydon Williams, 15 (Adrianna’s brother)
Who Was James Matthew Wilson II?
It’s easy to get lost in the "true crime" aspect of these stories and forget that these are real people with real lives. Matthew wasn't just a statistic. He was a 2022 graduate of Dyer County High School.
He became a father late in 2024. People who knew him said he stepped up immediately. He was doing everything in his power to provide for his daughter and Adrianna. His family remembers him for his quick wit and an infectious smile that could basically light up any room.
He was excited about the future. He hadn't even gotten his new "over 21" ID yet. His parents were planning a celebratory trip to Las Vegas for him. Instead of a vacation, they ended up planning a funeral at the Johnson-Williams Funeral Home.
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The Suspect and the Manhunt
The investigation moved fast. By July 31, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) had named a suspect: 29-year-old Austin Robert Drummond.
Drummond wasn't a stranger. Kim Hamil had met him a few times; he was introduced to the family as "Uncle Austin." This makes the betrayal even more visceral. Drummond had been released from prison just the previous September after serving 13 years for aggravated robbery.
A massive manhunt followed. It stretched from Tiptonville to Drummond’s hometown of Jackson. For a week, the victims' families lived in a state of pure terror. They were mourning their children while simultaneously fearing for their own lives, moving between houses and staying in hotels because they didn't know if the killer was coming for them next.
Drummond was eventually captured on August 5, 2025. He now faces four counts of first-degree murder, kidnapping, and child endangerment.
Where the Case Stands in 2026
As of early 2026, the legal proceedings are still unfolding. The District Attorney has indicated they are seeking the death penalty given the nature of the quadruple homicide.
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Weslynne, the infant found on that lawn, is safe. She has been in the care of the Department of Children’s Services, though Matthew’s family has been fighting tirelessly to bring her home. They want her to grow up knowing who her father was—not just as a victim of a headline, but as the man who would do anything for her.
The community has tried to heal, but it’s the kind of thing that leaves a permanent scar. You'll still see "Justice for Matthew" posts and fundraisers for the family in Dyer County.
Moving Forward and Seeking Justice
If you’re following this case or others like it, there are ways to support the families involved or stay informed on the legal updates.
- Follow the TBI Newsroom: They provide the most accurate, verified updates on court dates and legal filings regarding the Drummond case.
- Support Local Victims' Funds: The families of James Matthew Wilson II and the other victims often have established memorial funds to help with the costs of legal battles and the care of surviving children.
- Advocate for Transparency: Cases involving multiple victims and infants often face complex gag orders; staying vocal about the need for justice keeps the pressure on the legal system.
The life of James Matthew Wilson II was far more than its tragic ending. He was a father, a son, and a brother who was just starting to figure out what his place in the world was. While the news cycles move on to the next story, the impact of his loss remains a heavy reality for those in West Tennessee.
Stay updated on the official trial dates by checking the Lake County and Dyer County court dockets throughout the year.