Crime
Brandon Powell Charged as Accessory and with Evidence Tampering in Lake County Quadruple Homicide Investigation
DYER COUNTY, Tenn. — A fourth individual has been charged in connection with the ongoing investigation into a quadruple homicide that claimed the lives of four individuals, including three members of the same family, according to an update provided by Dyer County District Attorney Danny Goodman on Monday, August 4.
During a court appearance for Tanaka Brown, who was arraigned on charges of Accessory After the Fact to First Degree Murder and Tampering with Evidence, Goodman announced that two additional suspects—Dearrah Sanders and Brandon Powell—have now been arrested and charged in relation to the case.
Sanders faces charges of Accessory After the Fact to First Degree Murder for allegedly assisting the primary suspect, Austin Drummond, after the killings. Powell has been charged with Possession of Schedule VI Drugs and Criminal Conspiracy.
Earlier in the investigation, authorities arrested Giovonte Thomas, who is also charged as an Accessory After the Fact to First Degree Murder.
All four individuals are believed to have aided the suspect or obstructed the investigation following the quadruple murder in Tiptonville, which has drawn significant attention and prompted a multi-agency manhunt.
The investigation remains active, and law enforcement officials have indicated that additional arrests are possible as they continue to pursue leads in the case.
Christian County, Mo. — Authorities have identified the suspect accused of fatally shooting a deputy with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office during a traffic stop as Richard Bird.
At the time the Blue Alert was issued, the suspect had not yet been taken into custody.
According to law enforcement officials, the deputy initiated a traffic stop involving a 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck along State Highway 160 near Highlandville.
During the stop, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally wounding the deputy before fleeing the scene.
The suspect was reported to have traveled southbound on Highway 160 following the shooting.
Authorities described the suspect vehicle as a black 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck equipped with a silver brush guard, black body trim, tinted rear windows, and a three-ball trailer hitch. The vehicle was bearing Missouri license plate 9MG-X36.
A statewide Blue Alert was issued to notify the public and assist in locating the suspect.
Law enforcement officials urged residents not to approach the vehicle or suspect if located, but instead to immediately call 911 and provide detailed information while remaining at a safe distance.
Christian County is situated south of Springfield and north of Branson, an area that sees significant travel due to its proximity to the Ozarks.
Multiple agencies across the region coordinated efforts in response to the alert.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting or the status of the investigation.
Law enforcement officials expressed their condolences to the deputy’s family, colleagues, and the community as they continue to pursue justice in the case.