A repeat offender, charged with the 2021 homicide and home invasion of a Rhodes University student, admitted guilt and was sentenced to prison on Monday.
Rainess Holmes, now 40 years old, accepted a plea for second-degree murder and will serve a total of nine years in three different robbery cases, in addition to 100% of a 20-year prison term.
Holmes, a habitual criminal with a charge dating back to 2005, was one of four men who invaded a Memphis residence, which included several university students, notably 22-year-old senior Andrew “Drew” Rayner, who was charged according to Shelby County Court records at 5:40am on October 3, 2021.
Residents who survived informed Memphis police that four hooded males kicked down the door and demanded electronics from the students.
The fugitive was captured after he posted a video on social media challenging the police to “find” him.
Rainess Holmes, now 40, accepted a plea for second-degree murder and will serve a total of nine years in three separate robbery cases, in addition to 100% of a 20-year prison sentence. (Memphis PD)
“Andrew Rayner was instructed to enter his iPad passcode, and he was fatally shot when he didn’t comply,” the arrest affidavit indicates.
The suspect exited the house with “multiple phones, gaming devices, video games” and other electronics owned by the victim, police noted.
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“Andrew Rayner was instructed to enter his iPad passcode, and he was fatally shot when he didn’t comply,” the arrest affidavit indicates. (Canale Funeral Directors)
When Memphis police arrived, they found Rayner dead at the bottom of the stairs inside the property, having sustained a gunshot wound.
One resident managed to track the iPad to a hotel, where authorities set up a perimeter and ultimately attempted to apprehend Holmes, but he fled the area and “evaded the pursuit.” He was briefly placed on the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s most wanted list and was captured two days later on October 5th.
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Holmes, a habitual criminal with charges dating back to 2005, was one of four men who invaded a Memphis residence, which included several college students, notably 22-year-old senior Andrew “Drew” Rayner, who was charged according to Shelby County Court records at 5:40am on October 3, 2021. (Google Maps)
The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office remarked in a statement on Monday that it “maintained close collaboration” with Rayner’s family “throughout the proceedings.”
“They were in court and endorsed the verdict,” the DA’s office stated.
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Holmes has an extensive criminal record dating back to 2005. (TBI)
Holmes was not the shooter responsible for Rayner’s death. Memphis police are still looking for three other suspects connected to the home invasion and homicide.
Crime Stoppers is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to further arrests in this case.
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A commemorative fund established under the name Rainer, titled “Live Like Drew,” states it “has been imbued with great strength and has shown immense courage and selflessness.” (Live like Drew)
“One arrest has occurred relating to the murder,” stated Major Webb Kirkdoffer of the Memphis Police Department’s Homicide Bureau. “However, investigators still require assistance from the public in identifying more individuals accountable for Rayner’s murder.”
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The commemorative fund, known as “Live Like Drew,” highlights that it “has been filled with great strength and displayed remarkable courage and selflessness.” Drew was additionally a talented musician who performed with 1980s rock bands, an enthusiastic reader, Eagle Scout, and a committed member of the Catholic Church, according to his obituary.
“Drew was a cherished son, brother, nephew, cousin, and friend. He was gracious, joyful, knowledgeable, and beloved by his peers,” his obituary noted.
