Tragic Quadruple Homicide in Lake County: Four Family Members Identified, Infant Found Abandoned in Car Seat
DYER COUNTY, Tenn. — In a devastating turn of events that has sent shockwaves through Tennessee and beyond, officials have confirmed the identities of four individuals found murdered in Lake County. According to District Attorney Danny Goodman Jr., the victims were all closely related family members — two young parents, a grandmother, and a teenage boy. The heart-wrenching discovery was compounded by the fact that a baby belonging to two of the victims was found abandoned in a car seat in the front yard of a stranger’s home.
The victims have been identified as:
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Adrianna Williams, 20 years old, mother of the infant
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Matthew Wilson, 21 years old, father of the infant
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Cortney Rose, 38 years old, Adrianna’s mother and the baby’s maternal grandmother
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Braydon Williams, 15 years old, Adrianna’s brother and the baby’s maternal uncle
The baby, now an orphan, was found by a resident in a nearby community, sitting alone in a car seat on their front porch. The child was taken to safety and is currently in the care of authorities. Fortunately, the baby was physically unharmed, but the trauma and tragedy surrounding this event are immeasurable.
A Family Wiped Out
The murders have been described by local law enforcement as one of the most heinous and disturbing acts of violence to strike the region in recent memory. According to the district attorney, the victims appear to have been intentionally targeted, though authorities have not yet disclosed a motive. The shocking reality of an entire family being killed — spanning three generations — has gripped the community in grief and disbelief.
District Attorney Goodman expressed the collective heartbreak of the region:
“This is an unspeakable tragedy. We are not just talking about lives lost — we are talking about an entire young family, wiped out in a senseless act of violence. A baby has been left without parents, a grandmother, and an uncle. It is one of the most emotionally devastating cases we have encountered.”
Timeline of Events
The chain of events began when the infant was discovered abandoned in a front yard by an unsuspecting resident. Alarmed by the situation, they immediately contacted law enforcement. The discovery led to a broader investigation that eventually uncovered the four deceased family members at a separate location in Lake County, just north of Dyer County.
Authorities have not disclosed the exact location or cause of death, citing the active and sensitive nature of the investigation. However, sources close to the investigation indicate that foul play is evident, and this is being treated as a quadruple homicide.
Search for Answers and Justice
A massive multi-agency investigation is currently underway, involving the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), local sheriff’s offices, and federal partners. Authorities are working around the clock to piece together what led to this unimaginable tragedy and to identify those responsible.
At this time, no suspects have been officially named, but law enforcement believes this was not a random act of violence. Community members are being urged to remain vigilant and report any information that could assist investigators.
The abandoned infant, now central to the case, is reportedly in good physical condition and under protective custody while child welfare services determine the next steps for care.
Community in Mourning
The communities of Dyer County and Lake County are reeling in the aftermath of the tragedy. Vigils are already being planned to honor the lives of Adrianna Williams, Matthew Wilson, Cortney Rose, and Braydon Williams.
Neighbors, friends, and loved ones are describing the victims as a tight-knit and loving family. Adrianna and Matthew were said to be devoted young parents, working hard to build a life together. Cortney, their mother, was a doting grandmother and a pillar of support. Braydon, just 15, had his whole life ahead of him.
“This has broken us,” said one neighbor through tears. “That poor baby… I can’t imagine what she’ll have to grow up knowing. We’ve lost good people.”
Appeal to the Public
District Attorney Danny Goodman Jr. and the Dyer and Lake County Sheriff’s Offices are pleading with the public for any tips, no matter how small they may seem.
Anyone with information that could help authorities is urged to contact the Dyer County Sheriff’s Office at (731) 285-2802 or the Lake County Sheriff’s Office at (731) 253-7791. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation tip line or online.
A Community Left Searching for Healing
As investigators continue to work tirelessly to bring justice to the victims and peace to the community, many are reflecting on the fragility of life and the unthinkable grief now faced by a baby who will never know her parents, grandmother, or uncle.
In the words of District Attorney Goodman:
“This child deserves justice. This family deserves justice. And our community deserves answers. We will not rest until those responsible are held accountable for this horror.”
