MEMPHIS, Tenn. — UPDATE 10/5/2021 - Memphis Police said Tuesday morning the man wanted for the murder of a Rhodes College student has been taken into custody.
Investigators said U.S. Marshals, the Shelby County Fugitive Apprehension Team, and MPD officers arrested Rainess Holmes about 9:40 a.m. Tuesday in the 3100 block of Powell without incident.
Memphis Police said a warrant was issued Sunday after homicide detectives confirmed the identity of Holmes for the robbery and murder of Andrew "Drew" Rainer. Rainer was killed in the reported home invasion Sunday morning. A woman was injured.
Police said after 48 hours of investigating numerous leads and tips, U.S. Marshals were asked to join the search for Holmes.
“We are thankful for the strong partnership our agencies share, as we effectively take violent criminals into custody. We are hopeful the capture of Rainess Holmes will lead us to others who may have played a part in this crime. Our commitment is to seek justice for the victims and family members who are impacted by such heinous acts. In this same spirit, we will work relentlessly to rid our community of violent offenders who pervasively threaten the safety and livelihood of our citizens," said Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn ‘C.J.’ Davis in a statement.
“We are honored to have a part in providing justice when violence touches our communities,” said U.S. Marshal Tyreece Miller in the statement. “We hope with the apprehension of Rainess Holmes this morning, the victim’s family and the entire Rhodes community will know there will be accountability in this crime. This arrest is just one of the many examples of how Memphis Police and the Marshals Service collaborate every day to take dangerous individuals off our streets.”
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10/4/2021 - An arrest warrant has been issued for the man wanted in the death of the Rhodes College student.
Monday, the Memphis Police Department issued the warrant for Rainess Holmes, 36, for first degree murder, two counts of especially aggravated robbery, three counts of aggravated robbery, especially aggravated burglary and murder in the perpetration of aggravated burglary.
MPD officers responded to 703 N. McLean Blvd, near Rhodes College, Sunday at 5:40 a.m., where they found a man dead and a woman injured, both from being shot.
Rhodes College canceled classed for Monday, October 4.
The school announced that counseling is available for any student, faculty or staff. To scheduled, call 901-843-3128. If students or faculty need further support, the college asks them to email Dean Jamia Stokes at stokesj@rhodes.edu.
If you have any information that can help investigators further in this case, police ask that you call 901-528-CASH.