A repeat offender involved in the tragic 2021 murder of Rhodes College student Andrew “Drew” Rainer has finally faced justice. Rainess Holmes, 40, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder on Monday and received a 20-year prison sentence, with the requirement to serve 100% of the time. This sentence also includes an additional nine years for three separate burglary convictions, reflecting his extensive criminal history dating back to 2005.
The incident occurred during a home invasion at 5:40 a.m. on October 3, 2021. Four masked men broke into a Memphis home occupied by several college students, including Rainer. They demanded electronics, and when Rainer failed to provide the passcode to his iPad, he was fatally shot. The suspects fled with stolen phones, gaming systems, and other electronics.
Following the incident, one of the surviving residents tracked the stolen iPad to a hotel, leading authorities to Holmes. However, he initially evaded arrest, escaping across a drainage ditch. He was briefly added to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s Most Wanted list before being apprehended two days later. While Holmes’s conviction marks significant progress, the investigation remains ongoing. Three other suspects remain at large, and Crime Stoppers is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to their arrests.
The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that they worked closely with Rainer’s family throughout the legal proceedings. The family was present in court and expressed support for the outcome. Major Webb Kirkdoffer of the Memphis Police Department’s Homicide Bureau emphasized the continued need for public assistance in identifying and apprehending the remaining suspects.
Andrew Rainer’s life was tragically cut short, but his memory lives on. The “Live Like Drew” memorial fund, established in his honor, describes him as a young man who “loved with great intensity, and showed enormous courage and self-sacrifice.” His obituary paints a picture of a kind, cheerful, intelligent, and outgoing young man, loved by his friends and family. He was an accomplished musician, avid reader, Eagle Scout, and devoted member of the Catholic Church. The case highlights the devastating impact of violent crime and the importance of community involvement in bringing perpetrators to justice.
