Jury Convicts Drummond in 2023 Prison Attack

CARROLL COUNTY (July 24) — Quadruple murder suspect Austin Drummond was found guilty Friday of attempted voluntary manslaughter and possessing contraband in a penal facility for his role in a 2023 prison fight.

The two-day trial, held at the Carroll County Courthouse, concluded Friday after jurors deliberated for approximately two hours. Drummond and co-defendant Andre Brown faced charges stemming from an August 2023 altercation at the Northwest Correctional Complex. Brown was found guilty of attempted facilitation and acquitted of possessing contraband.

Both men were acquitted of the original charge of attempted first-degree murder.

The victim testified that he was blindsided and stabbed 17 times in the head, back and chest while speaking on the phone. A registered nurse at the facility testified to the extent of the injuries, documenting wounds on the victim’s hand, arm, shoulder and scalp, as well as multiple stab wounds to the back.

Drummond took the stand in his own defense, claiming he acted to protect himself after receiving threats from the victim regarding money. Drummond testified that he did not intend to kill the victim, but became involved in a physical altercation after hearing he was going to be attacked. Drummond's defense attorney, Drew Farmer, argued that the evidence presented did not support the initial attempted murder charges, specifically questioning the capability of the weapon involved to cause death.

The prosecution’s case included testimony from prison officials and video surveillance of the incident. Former medical officer Tiffany Payte testified regarding the prevalence of weapons within the facility, noting her own past concerns for safety while working at the Northwest Correctional Complex.

Sentencing for both Drummond and Brown is scheduled for August 31. While Drummond faces further legal proceedings regarding his role in the 2023 prison fight, he remains in custody pending trial for a separate 2025 quadruple murder and kidnapping case in Dyer County.