MEMPHIS, Tenn- Authorities have made another critical arrest in the widening investigation into a horrific quadruple homicide that has shaken communities across West Tennessee. On Monday morning, Dearrah Sanders, 23, of Jackson, Tennessee, was taken into custody and charged with Accessory After the Fact to First Degree Murder in connection with the case involving fugitive Austin Drummond, who has now been on the run for over a week.
Sanders is the third person arrested in this growing case, which has drawn state and national attention due to its brutal nature and the ongoing, urgent search for Drummond.
Background: A Gruesome Discovery in Dyer County
The case stems from the discovery of four deceased family members in Dyer County, Tennessee, whose lifeless bodies were found last Tuesday. Authorities were initially alerted when an infant relative was found abandoned in front of a house, a disturbing and heartbreaking clue that led investigators to the crime scene.
Austin Drummond, the man now at the center of a statewide fugitive manhunt, is wanted on multiple felony charges, including four counts of First-Degree Murder and Aggravated Kidnapping. Investigators have remained tight-lipped about the precise motive behind the killings but described the incident as one of the most tragic and disturbing acts of violence in recent West Tennessee history.
Dearrah Sanders: Accused of Helping Fugitive Escape
According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), Dearrah Sanders is known to be an associate of Austin Drummond and is accused of helping him after the killings, potentially providing him shelter, transport, or resources as he fled law enforcement.
She has been booked into the Lake County Jail and is expected to face a judge later this week. Investigators have not yet confirmed the exact nature or timeline of her alleged assistance, but they have emphasized that anyone found aiding Drummond will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Other Arrests and Expanding Charges
Prior to Sanders’ arrest, two others had already been taken into custody:
- Tanaka Brown, 29, is charged with Accessory After the Fact to First Degree Murder and Tampering with Evidence. Authorities believe Brown attempted to destroy or conceal material connected to the homicides or Drummond’s whereabouts.
- Giovonti Thomas, also 29, is facing a charge of Accessory After the Fact to First Degree Murder for allegedly helping Drummond in his effort to evade arrest.
All three individuals remain in custody as the investigation continues to unfold.
Manhunt Intensifies: Drummond May Have Fled Tennessee
Despite widespread search efforts led by local police, the TBI, and the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), Drummond has so far managed to evade capture. Officials believe he may have left the state, raising concerns about interstate travel and possible networks aiding his escape.
To accelerate the manhunt, the reward for information leading to Drummond’s arrest has been increased to $17,500. Initially, the TBI and USMS had each offered $7,500, but the U.S. Marshals recently added an additional $2,500, bringing the total to its current level.
Contact Authorities: Your Information Could Be Vital
Officials are urging anyone who may have seen or spoken to Drummond—or who may have information about those helping him—to come forward immediately. He is considered armed, dangerous, and highly unpredictable.
Anyone with information is asked to contact:
- U.S. Marshals Service: 901-406-2044 or 901-661-2955
- Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI): 731-415-7962, 731-333-0811, or 1-800-TBI-FIND
Community on Edge
The nature of the crime, the involvement of multiple alleged accomplices, and the ongoing fugitive search have left communities across Dyer County, Jackson, and Memphis on edge. Law enforcement has increased patrols in key areas and is coordinating with regional agencies in case Drummond attempts to travel farther.
The case has also reignited conversations about violent crime, child welfare, and the importance of community cooperation during fugitive investigations.
As of now, Drummond remains at large, but officials are hopeful that the increased public awareness and reward will lead to credible tips and his eventual arrest.
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