Officials in Walton County Investigating a Suspicious Death

Brandon Rhinehart, 26, of Loganville, died on April 9, 2013, two days after he sustained a beating, allegedly at the hands of two Loganville women. Loganville Deputy Police Chief Dick Lowry confirmed Rhinehart's death is part of an open investigation.

"We can't draw any conclusions until we get the toxicology and autopsy results, but it is an open investigation at this time," Lowry said.

According to the Loganville Police reports, officers responded to Bay Creek Crossing at about 6:32 p.m. on Sunday, April 7, in connection with a report of a dispute. Rhinehart was found staggering in the middle of the roadway at the intersection of Bay Creek Crossing and Bay Creek Crossing. He reportedly was limping and clutching his side with blood dripping from a wound over his left eye.

Following an investigation, Rhinehart's girlfriend, Jennifer Partee, was charged with battery and her sister, Bridget Triplett, was charged with aggravated assault. Witnesses reported that "one of the women" hit Rhinehart in the face with a "rock" of some sort and that Partee kicked him while he was down. Both women were arrested and transported to Walton County jail. Rhinehart was taken to Clearview Regional Medical Center for treatment.

The following evening officers were again summoned to Rhinehart's parent's home at 514 Bay Creek Crossing, this time in connection with an alleged suicide attempt. It was reported that Rhinehart wanted to harm himself. However, according to the police report, Rhinehart told police he was not trying to harm himself, he just wanted to go to sleep because his head was hurting so bad. The report was changed from a suicide attempt to an EMS call.

The following morning, April 9, Rhinehart was dead.

Firefighters and police were summoned to the home at about 8:52 a.m. after Rhinehart was found in his bed, unconscious, according to the report. He was pronouned dead and an investigation was opened into the cause of his death. Pill bottles were removed from the location, according to the report. 

Lowry said he is not sure how long it will take for results of the autopsy and the toxicology report to be made available. He said that Partee and Triplett are currently charged with the assault that allegedly occurred on Sunday. Any potential additional charges will depend on the medical examiner's report and the outcome of the investigation.

According to his brother, Rhinehart leaves behind a 5-year-old daughter.

Correction: Partee was charged with battery and Triplett was charged with aggravated assault.