4 People Found Dead in Tenn. After an Infant Was Abandoned in a Stranger’s Front Yard. Now Authorities Are Linking the Cases

The child was left “in a car seat at a random individual’s front yard” in Dyer County, authorities said, hours before confirming four bodies had been found in nearby Lake County

NEED TO KNOW

• Four people were found dead in Lake County, Tenn., after a baby was abandoned on a stranger’s front yard in nearby Dyer County, with authorities confirming the two cases have been linked
• “A dark-colored minivan or a white mid-size SUV was reported to have dropped off an infant in a car seat at a random individual’s front yard,” the Dyer County Sheriff’s Office said of the child being left on Tuesday, July 29
• “This is a deeply saddening day for our community,” Sheriff Jeff Box added, per a Facebook post

As authorities were already investigating after an infant was found abandoned in Tennessee, four people were found dead.

On Tuesday, July 29 at approximately 3:11 p.m. local time, the Dyer County Sheriff’s Office “received a call regarding a concerning incident on Old Highway 20 near the Tigrett area [in Dyer County],” they said in a statement on Facebook.

“A dark-colored minivan or a white mid-size SUV was reported to have dropped off an infant in a car seat at a random individual’s front yard,” they added, alongside a photo of the infant. “Thankfully a witness saw the car seat with the child and called 911.”

In an update hours later, the sheriff’s office said that four individuals had been discovered dead in Lake County, which is approximately 25 miles north of Dyer County.

In the update, Sheriff Jeff Box said that the identities of the deceased are “currently being withheld pending notification of next of kin.”

“This is a deeply saddening day for our community. We are committed to uncovering the truth and ensuring justice is served,” Sheriff Box said, going on to thank Sheriff Bryan Avery of the Lake County Sheriff’s Department and his officers, who have been helping out amid the ongoing investigation.

“The Dyer County Sheriff’s Office remains dedicated to resolving both the abandoned infant case and the ongoing investigation at the crime scene. We will continue to update the public as more information becomes available,” officials added. “Please remember everyone in your prayers.”

Earlier in the day, before the bodies of the four individuals were found, the sheriff’s office said they had been able to identify the abandoned child — and that they “would like to speak with Cortney Rose, Matthew Wilson, and Adrianna Williams.”

Additional details have not yet been shared and it remains unknown if any of these individuals were among those found dead.

On Wednesday, July 30, Lake County Sheriff Bryan Avery said that the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is leading the ongoing investigation.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the friends, families, and the entire community impacted by this tragic situation. We know this is a difficult time, and we stand with you,” Avery wrote.

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation did not immediately respond to request for comment.