Federal and state investigators have joined local law enforcement in Tennessee to probe a tragic case involving the deaths of four family members, discovered during an investigation into an abandoned infant. The deceased, identified as a mother, father, grandmother, and a 15-year-old, were found dead earlier this week.
The 7-month-old child, found abandoned earlier, is related to the deceased and is the son of Matthew Wilson and Adrianna Williams, according to District Attorney Danny Goodman Jr., of the 29th Judicial District. The other victims were identified as the infant’s grandmother, Cortney Rose, and his maternal uncle, Braden Williams, who was just 15 years old.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) is currently interviewing potential witnesses and several individuals are being questioned. Goodman reassured the public that this incident does not appear to be a random act of violence and there is no immediate threat to the community.
Federal investigators and TBI agents were on the scene on Wednesday, assisting local police with the investigation. The bodies were discovered in Lake County, along Carrington Road in Tiptonville.
The investigation was initiated after the discovery of Wilson and Williams’ 7-month-old child in a stranger’s front yard on Tuesday afternoon. Reports suggest that a dark-colored minivan or a white mid-size SUV was seen leaving the child in a car seat. This led investigators to Lake County where the bodies were discovered approximately five hours later.
TBI Communications Director Josh DeVine confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and is being supported by the FBI and the Lake and Dyer County sheriff’s offices. Dyer County Sheriff Jeff Box expressed his condolences to the community, vowing to uncover the truth and ensure justice is served.
Lake County Sheriff Bryan Avery also expressed his commitment to the investigation, assuring residents that the TBI is handling the case with utmost diligence and professionalism. He extended his thoughts and prayers to the friends, families, and the entire community affected by this tragic incident.
As of now, neither the TBI nor Goodman have commented on whether any criminality is suspected or if any suspects are being sought in connection with the death investigation. The FBI has not responded to requests for comment.