Two local drivers now face upgraded charges after a fatal boating collision on the Ross Barnett Reservoir. Rankin County authorities increased the charges from aggravated DUI to manslaughter following the results of their investigation into the incident.
The crash happened north of Goshen Springs at approximately 1:02 a.m on Sunday, September 20th. Two boats collided, resulting in the death of 23-year-old Madison Alford and injuring several others. Deputies reported that both operators had been drinking before the crash.
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 a witness to falsely testify or withhold testimony
The new manslaughter charges mean both drivers could face more severe penalties. Hearings for both are set in Rankin County Circuit Court, with trial dates expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
