LAKE COUNTY, Tenn. (WMC) – Austin Drummond, the man accused of killing a family of four in Northwest Tennessee last year, appeared in court again Friday. Drummond is pleading not-guilty to all charges related to the July 2025 killings of four family members: Cortney Rose, 38; Adrianna Williams, 20; Braydon Williams, 15; and James “Matthew” Wilson, 21. The plea came after state prosecutors filed notice that they intend to seek the death penalty in the quadruple homicide case.
In late April, Drummond filed a motion asking to represent himself, submitting a handwritten note with the request.
During Friday’s hearing, the judge considered several pending motions, including Drummond’s request for self-representation, a motion for a change of venue, and other pretrial matters.
“I believe the damage has been done. There’s evidence that can no longer be recovered, there’s motions that have already been confirmed by the court,” said Drummond. “I believe the trust isn’t there, your honor.”
“Trust takes time,” said Judge Mark Hayes.
“I don’t have a lot of time,” said Drummond.
The judge also raised concerns about Drummond’s history of violating the court’s gag order, emphasizing that information should not be shared publicly in a way that could jeopardize the case.
The court granted Drummond permission to use an electronic device to review court documents while in custody. The judge also granted a motion allowing witness testimony and statements to be taken.
Drummond’s attorney filed a motion for a change of venue, which the judge granted due to intense media scrutiny.
“I think it would be best if we went to Middle or East Tennessee and, you know, it’s nothing negative about the media, it’s just if we go to Shelby County, so many people have heard about it,” said District Attorney Danny Goodman, 29th Judicial District.
The court also discussed whether the facility where Drummond is currently being held has enough space and staff to house him.
During that discussion, the Obion County sheriff testified about Drummond’s behavior in custody, calling him manipulative and describing multiple incidents of acting out.
The sheriff said that, in one instance, Drummond smeared feces on the wall of his cell. After reviewing potential options, the court declined to transfer Drummond to any local jail.
The hearing was briefly interrupted by an outburst from a man who shouted profanity at Drummond before being escorted from the courtroom. He was later identified as the father of one of the victims.
The judge then questioned Drummond at length about his motion to represent himself, warning that doing so is difficult—especially without legal experience—and that he would be held to the same standards as an attorney.
“You think that we would be excited about the fact that he wants to represent himself because we may have an advantage, but that’s not actually the case. We’d rather deal with an attorney,” said Goodman.
Drummond said he filed the motion because he disagrees with decisions made by his current counsel.
The judge discouraged the request, telling Drummond, “I think it’s unwise of you to try and represent yourself. I beg you not to do this.”
Drummond’s attorney also voiced concern, noting Drummond was upset about the decision to push back court dates. The judge said he will issue a written decision on the self-representation motion.
Drummond also told the judge that if he represented himself and was found guilty, he would waive his rights to a sentencing hearing.
“The conditions on death row are much better than they would be with life in prison,” said Drummond.
After the hearing, the judge met with the man removed from the courtroom and held him in contempt, issuing a $10 fine. The judge warned that a second outburst would result in 10 days in jail.
Wilson’s mother and sister brought his ashes to court Friday in a box. They said they plan to continue bringing them unless told otherwise, adding that he has a right to be there as they seek justice.
“They’re just gone. Just gone. So, yeah, Matthew had a right to be here. You know, he’s in the middle of all this, unwillingly, and this is all we have left, so this is all we can bring,” said Wilson’s mother, Kim Hamil.
Goodman said the judge will most likely rule on the self-representation motion before setting a next court date. Judge Hayes said he will work quickly to make that decision.
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