15 year sentence handed down in Jackson County drive-by shooting case

A Southaven man was convicted and sentenced in Jackson County Circuit Court on August 26th for a drive-by shooting.

The shooting happened in the Gulf Park Estates community of Ocean Springs on November 20, 2021.

Judge Keith Miller sentenced Rinehart to 30 years with 15 years suspended, leaving a total of 15 years to serve in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections.

The suspended portion of his sentence will be served on post release supervision.

According to Assistant District Attorney Justin Lovorn, who prosecuted the case, Rinehart’s ex-girlfriend allowed him to stay with her in Ocean Springs days before the crime.

According to the district attorney’s office, Rinehart became aggressive toward her and she asked him to leave.

On November 19-20th, Rinehart sent messages to his ex-girlfriend threatening to kill her and then kill himself.

On November 20th, Rinehart drove his SUV to her 22nd Street residence at approximately 12:30 p.m. While she and their child were on the front porch, Rinehart fired approximately four shots from his vehicle.

The bullets hit the ground, and no one was physically injured.

Afterward, Rinehart sent messages blaming his ex-girlfriend for the situation and denying that he tried to shoot anyone. He later led law enforcement on a pursuit in Alcorn County where he was arrested.