Crime
Third Person Arrested in Lake County Quadruple Homicide Investigation, Dearrah Sanders Charged as Accessory
JACKSON, Tenn. — A large-scale manhunt is underway in Jackson as law enforcement agencies search for Austin Drummond, the suspect wanted in connection with a quadruple homicide in Tiptonville, Tennessee.
Authorities have surrounded a heavily wooded area near Cherry Grove Apartments and are also searching wooded terrain near Union University off Pleasant Plains Road.
The search has prompted a significant law enforcement presence in north Jackson, including personnel from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), Tennessee Highway Patrol, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson Police Department, and SWAT units.
As of Monday morning, TBI Special Agents confirmed the arrest of a third individual in connection with the ongoing fugitive investigation.
Dearrah Sanders, a resident of Jackson, has been charged with Accessory After the Fact to First Degree Murder for allegedly assisting Drummond after the killings.
Sanders is expected to be booked into the Lake County Jail.
In addition to Sanders, 29-year-old Tanaka Brown and 29-year-old Giovonti Thomas have also been charged with Accessory After the Fact to First Degree Murder.
Brown is facing an additional charge of Tampering with Evidence.
The manhunt has impacted traffic and prompted safety measures in the surrounding area.
Just after 11:00 a.m., the Jackson Police Department issued a traffic advisory stating that Pleasant Plains Road is temporarily closed from Oil Well Road to Country Club Lane, and drivers were urged to seek alternate routes.
Witnesses reported seeing helicopters circling overhead, and several area schools—including Jackson Christian School and Union University—briefly entered lockdown as a precaution.
When contacted for additional information, Jackson Police referred inquiries to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
The TBI confirmed that the law enforcement activity is part of an ongoing investigation, but declined to release further details at this time.
Authorities continue to urge residents to avoid the affected areas and report any suspicious activity. The manhunt remains active.
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.