LAKE COUNTY, TN (WMC – Story Courtesy of WVLT) – The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation says one or more suspects are being sought after the overnight discovery of four bodies in Northwest Tennessee, which has since been connected to an abandoned infant case.
According to Danny Goodman, Dyer and Lake County District Attorney, this act was not random, and the community is not in danger.
“There doesn’t need to be a lot of concern in the community as far as their safety. This appears to be an isolated incident,” he said.
Goodman went on to say more about those involved, “It’s not that these people were randomly chosen. So, I don’t think there needs to be any kind of concern or fear in the community.”
A TBI spokesperson confirmed Wednesday afternoon that the deaths are being considered homicides and that investigators are working to develop information on the suspect(s) responsible.
The four bodies were found Tuesday night on Carrington Road in Tiptonville, located in Lake County, approximately 40 miles away from where a seven-month-old girl was dropped off in a Dyer County yard.
The Dyer County District Attorney’s Office has identified the victims as the baby’s father, 21-year-old Matthew Wilson; mother, 20-year-old Adrianna Williams; maternal grandmother, 38-year-old Cortney Rose; and maternal uncle, 15-year-old Braydon Williams.
The TBI and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have been requested to respond to assist with this case.
“This is a deeply saddening day for our community,” said Dyer Co. Sheriff Jeff Box. “We are committed to uncovering the truth and ensuring justice is served.”
Around 3 p.m. Tuesday, Dyer Co. deputies were called to a home in the area of Old Highway 20 near Tigrett, where a seven-month-old girl in a car seat was abandoned in a stranger’s yard.
The witness called 911, and the child was taken to the hospital to be checked out.
Before the tragic update from the neighboring agency, Dyer County deputies said they were searching for the baby’s parents and grandmother because they were believed to be possibly involved in the abandonment case.
Audio from Dyer County 911 reveals that a call came in at 10:26 p.m. Tuesday reporting Rose and her daughter missing. The dispatcher can be heard in the audio saying that the caller was actively searching around a home with a flashlight.
The circumstances regarding the family members’ deaths remain unknown at this time.
The Dyer County Sheriff’s Office remains dedicated to resolving both the abandoned infant case and the ongoing investigation at the crime scene. We will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. Please remember everyone in your prayers.
Partial statement, Dyer County Sheriff’s Office
Lake County Sheriff Bryan Avery released the following statement, noting that the TBI will be taking over:
“This remains a very active and ongoing investigation, and we want to assure the public that the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is leading this case with the highest level of diligence and professionalism.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the friends, families, and the entire community impacted by this tragic situation. We know this is a difficult time, and we stand with you.
We are grateful to all the agencies and individuals who are working tirelessly on this investigation. Your dedication and commitment to justice do not go unnoticed.
Out of respect for the integrity of the investigation, we will defer any questions or requests for updates to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
We will continue to support their efforts and provide assistance as needed.
Lake County Sheriff Bryan Avery
If you have any information related to this incident, please contact the Dyer County Sheriff’s Office at 731-285-2802.
