Vancleave man pleads guilty to driving drunk, killing girlfriend

A Vancleave man will spend 22 years in prison after pleading guilty to DUI in the death of his girlfriend.

36-year-old Michael Grimes was sentenced Friday to 25 years, with 22 to serve and 3 years of post-release supervision in the death of Christine Osborne in 2022.

Jackson County Sheriff’s deputies responded to Old Fort Bayou Road at approximately 9:15 p.m. on November 12, 2022 in response to a report of Grimes yelling at and assaulting Osborne in their car.

Before deputies arrived, Grimes sped off, lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a ditch. The vehicle subsequently caught fire. Bystanders were able to pull Grimes from the vehicle, but Osborne was trapped and could not be saved, according to reports at court.

An investigation of the crash showed Grimes’ blood alcohol was double the legal limit at the time of the crash.

“Christine Osborne would still be alive today, but for the defendant’s reckless decision to drive drunk,” said District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath.

“During the sentencing hearing, the court heard that Christine was a loving mother, daughter and friend to many. We want to thank the good-Samaritan citizens who made every effort to save her life. I hope that this conviction and sentence will help Christine’s grieving family as they mourn her loss.”