DYER COUNTY, Tenn. (July 29, 2025) — A deeply troubling and tragic situation is unfolding across two counties in West Tennessee, where law enforcement officials are investigating the discovery of an abandoned infant and a related homicide case that has left four individuals dead in neighboring Lake County.
According to Dyer County Sheriff Jeff Box, the investigation began Tuesday afternoon when authorities were alerted to the presence of an abandoned baby on Old Highway 20, a rural stretch of road just outside Dyersburg. The infant was reportedly discovered by a passerby and quickly transported to a local medical facility. The child’s condition has not been officially released, but sources close to the investigation say the baby was found alive.
What followed has shocked and saddened the entire region.
As Dyer County deputies worked to piece together the circumstances surrounding the infant’s abandonment, the investigation led them across county lines into Lake County, where deputies from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office made a grisly discovery: the bodies of four deceased individuals at a private residence believed to be connected to the case.
The identities of the victims have not yet been released, as authorities work to notify family members. No ages, genders, or potential causes of death have been disclosed at this time.
“This is a deeply saddening day for our community,” Sheriff Box said in an official statement. “We are committed to uncovering the truth and ensuring justice is served for these victims and for the child who was left behind.”
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have both joined the case, underscoring its complexity and severity. Investigators are working to determine the timeline of events, any potential suspects, and how the infant is connected to the homicide scene.
Sheriff Box expressed his gratitude to Lake County Sheriff Bryan Avery and his deputies for their swift cooperation and support, noting that while the case originated in Dyer County, the homicide crime scene falls under Lake County’s jurisdiction.
Officials from both counties are urging anyone who may have seen or heard anything unusual in the area of Old Highway 20 or the Lake County crime scene to come forward. Investigators are particularly interested in any surveillance footage, witness statements, or local tips that could aid in the ongoing inquiry.
“This is the kind of tragedy no community is prepared for,” said a local resident who asked to remain anonymous. “It’s heartbreaking to think of a child being abandoned and others losing their lives like this. We’re all shaken.”
The Dyer County Sheriff’s Office has assured the public that the infant is safe and receiving proper care. The child’s identity and any potential familial ties to the deceased are still under investigation.
As the community reels from the devastating news, local leaders are asking for continued prayers and support for the families affected, the child involved, and the first responders navigating the emotional toll of the crime scenes.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Dyer County Sheriff’s Office at (731) 285-2802. Additional updates will be shared as more details become available.
