Trial begins for murder suspect Austin Drummond over 2023 prison fight

CARROLL COUNTY, Tenn. (WMC) - Austin Drummond, who faces charges in a Lake County quadruple homicide, is on trial in Carroll County on an attempted murder charge stemming from a 2023 prison fight that predates the homicide case.

Prosecutors say Drummond attacked another inmate at Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville. The state moved the case to Carroll County for trial.

Drummond was released on bond in connection with the prison case, but that bond was revoked after he was charged with killing four people in Lake County in July of last year.

A close friend of Drummond, speaking anonymously by phone, said the Lake County killings could have been prevented. She said Drummond worked as a confidential informant and warned his handlers that his cover had been blown.

“Austin came forward… and said I’m getting nervous, I think my cover is blown… they would have pulled him out — but they didn’t,” the friend said.

She also said authorities should have removed Drummond from the operation when a 15-year-old became involved.

“And they should have pulled him out when they found out a 15-year-old was involved,” she said.

Drummond also accuses the district attorney of making dishonest public statements and misrepresenting evidence.

“I just want my constitutional rights respected… I want the ability to have a fair trial… and I want a speedy trial. I want evidence to not be falsified or misrepresented,” Drummond said.

He also addressed a gag order request from the DA’s office.

“The DA had no issue making comments themselves but as soon as I started talking… they asked for a gag order,” Drummond said.

Drummond is pleading not guilty in both cases against him.

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