In a chilling home invasion that turned deadly, four armed men stormed into a Memphis college residence demanding electronic devices from terrified students.
According to PEOPLE, Rainess Holmes, 40, was sentenced to 20 years in prison on Monday, April 7, after pleading guilty to second-degree murder in the 2021 shooting death of Andrew "Drew" Rainer, a 22-year-old Rhodes College student who was killed when he failed to provide his iPad passcode.
The fatal incident occurred at 5:40 a.m. on October 3, 2021, when Holmes and three accomplices kicked down the door of an off-campus residence where Rainer lived with other Rhodes College students.
The intruders ordered everyone to keep their heads down and avoid looking at them as they demanded their electronic devices. During the robbery, Rainer was shot after being unable to enter his iPad passcode correctly.
Tragic confrontation leads to student's death
As the situation escalated, Rainer demonstrated remarkable courage by attempting to wrestle the weapon away from the gunman. During the struggle, Rainer's girlfriend sustained a gunshot wound to her hand.
Police later discovered Rainer's body at the bottom of a staircase, where he succumbed to his gunshot wounds. The suspects fled the scene with multiple electronic devices, including phones, gaming systems, and video games.
Authorities tracked down Holmes through the location signal from one of the stolen iPads, which led them to a nearby hotel. When police arrived at the location, Holmes attempted to escape by jumping over a drainage ditch but was apprehended two days later. His capture marked a significant breakthrough in the case, though three suspects remain at large.
Law enforcement officials continue their search for the remaining perpetrators, with Crime Stoppers offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to additional arrests. The investigation remains active as police work to bring all responsible parties to justice.
Remembering Andrew Rainer's legacy
According to his obituary, Rainer was an accomplished musician who played in an 80s rock band and participated in the Rhodes Jazz Ensemble. His achievements extended beyond music, as he was also an Eagle Scout and actively involved in the Catholic Church. Friends and family remember him as a devoted member of his community who touched many lives.
The "Live Like Drew" memorial fund established in Rainer's honor celebrates his character and impact on others. Those who knew him emphasize his passionate approach to life and selfless nature. His legacy continues to inspire those who knew him and serves as a reminder of his courage during the tragic incident.
From the memorial fund's description: "Drew loved with great intensity, and showed enormous courage and self-sacrifice."
Legal proceedings and concurrent sentences
In addition to the second-degree murder charge, Holmes faced multiple other criminal counts. He entered guilty pleas in three separate aggravated burglary cases, receiving three-year sentences for each offense.
These sentences will run concurrently with his 20-year murder sentence, reflecting the gravity of his crimes while consolidating his punishment.
The prosecution's successful conviction of Holmes represents a crucial step toward justice for Rainer's family and friends. However, the case remains partially unresolved as authorities continue their pursuit of the other three suspects involved in the deadly home invasion.
