RANKIN COUNTY, Miss. (WLBT) – The two boat drivers involved in a deadly crash on the Ross Barnett Reservoir earlier this month now face manslaughter and multiple upgraded felony charges, with bonds set at $550,000 each.
Nathan Rhinewalt and Nelson Jimenez appeared in court Tuesday following an expanded indictment and additional warrants stemming from the Sept. 20 collision that killed 23-year-old Madison Alford of Lena and severely injured others.
According to court records, Rhinewalt faces initial charges on four counts:
- Count 1: Aggravated Boating Under the Influence (BUI) involving the death of Alford ($100,000 bond)
- Count 2: Manslaughter by negligent boat operation ($250,000 bond)
- Counts 3 & 4: Two counts of Aggravated BUI causing mutilation and disfigurement of Karli Jones and Kristopher Alford ($100,000 bond each)
Jimenez faces four active counts after additional arrest warrants and a bench warrant were issued:
- Count 1: Aggravated BUI (marked disposed)
- Count 2: Manslaughter in the death of Alford ($250,000 bond)
- Counts 3 & 4: Two counts of Aggravated BUI causing disfigurement and disabling of Jones and Kristopher ($100,000 bond each)
- Count 5: Tampering with a Witness ($100,000 bond), accusing Jimenez of attempting to induce Cade Aylesworth to falsely testify or withhold testimony
Both men were placed on strict bond conditions, including wearing a Buddi alcohol and GPS monitor, continuous monitoring (Court-Watch for Rhinewalt and Criminal Services of Mississippi for Jimenez), and having no contact with co-defendants, victims, or the victims’ families…