A chilling mystery is unfolding in western Tennessee after a 7-month-old baby girl was found abandoned but unharmed in a stranger’s yard — just hours before authorities discovered the infant’s entire immediate family brutally murdered 40 miles away.
The child, whose name has not been released, was dropped off in a car seat in the front yard of a random home in the Tigrett area of Dyer County around 3:10PM on July 29, the New York Post reports.
According to officials, the baby was left by someone driving either a dark-colored minivan or a white midsize SUV. A few hours later, law enforcement made a gruesome discovery in neighboring Lake County.
Four relatives found dead on rural roadside
Deputies located four bodies along Carrington Road in Tiptonville: the baby’s mother, Adrianna Williams, 20; father, Matthew Wilson, 21; maternal grandmother, Cortney Rose, 38; and uncle, Braydon Williams, 15, per the Bellingham Record.
Authorities have not yet released details about the cause of death, but Dyer County District Attorney Danny Goodman said the scene was “more than your typical homicide.”
“This is a deeply saddening day for our community,” Dyer County Sheriff Jeff Box said in a statement. “We are committed to uncovering the truth and ensuring justice is served.”
Infant found safe — but questions remain
The woman who found the baby told WREG she was too shaken to speak on camera, but confirmed the child was dropped off unexpectedly and left alone in her yard. Medical personnel examined the baby, who appeared uninjured.
Authorities are still trying to understand how and why that particular house — in an out-of-the-way location — was chosen as the drop-off point.
After identifying the child, the Dyer County Sheriff’s Office attempted to contact the parents and grandmother.
Just hours later, those efforts led to the discovery of their bodies in rural Lake County.
“We’re just thankful that the baby was spared”
Family friend Amy Anderson told WREG that the victims were “really good people” and deeply devoted to the little girl.
“Adrianna was the sweetest person, she loved being a mama,” Anderson said. “Matthew… was a wonderful daddy. He loved the baby. And Cortney, she loved the kids.”
“They’re devastated,” she added. “We’re just thankful that the baby was spared, grateful for that. It’s tragic. It’s tearing everybody apart.”
Anderson also urged the public to avoid speculation: “There’s been rumors here and there, but I just wish everybody would slow down on the rumors and wait until stuff is actually put out there… so that there’s no more heartache than what already is.”
Investigation expanding with FBI support
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) has launched a homicide investigation and has brought in the FBI to assist in identifying and locating any suspect or suspects. No arrests have been made as of July 31.
“We knew we were dealing with something more than your typical homicide,” said DA Goodman. “So I knew we were going to need the expertise of TBI.”
TBI spokesperson Kim Wheeler-Elder confirmed: “There’s always concern when there is a suspect or suspects out on [the loose], that we have not yet caught. So, anyone who knows of anything, please report it.”
Authorities believe the killings are likely an isolated incident, not a random attack on the public.
Lake County lies directly north of Dyer County, near the Kentucky border — about two hours north of Memphis. Investigators are continuing to process evidence and are asking anyone with information to contact the Dyer County Sheriff’s Office at 731-285-2802.