Human Remains Identified as Missing Ole Miss Student Jimmie "Jay" Lee in Ongoing Criminal Investigation

In a significant development, the Oxford Police Department and the Carroll County Sheriff's Office confirmed the tragic news on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. 

The human remains discovered last week belong to Jimmie "Jay" Lee, a University of Mississippi student who went missing in July 2022.

The remains, found by deer hunters on February 1, were identified through DNA analysis conducted by the Mississippi State Crime Lab. 

This breakthrough marks a pivotal moment in a case that has gripped the Oxford community for over two years. 

According to Clarion Ledger, Jay Lee, a beloved member of the Oxford LGBTQ+ community, was last seen on July 8, 2022. 

His disappearance prompted a massive search effort and a criminal complaint against Sheldon Timothy Herrington Jr., a fellow Ole Miss student.

He was eventually arrested and charged with capital murder just weeks after Lee vanished. 

According to prosecutors, he killed Lee to hide a romantic relationship between them.

Sheldon Timothy Herrington Jr.

Herrington’s trial in December 2024 ended in a mistrial after the jury deadlocked at an 11-1 vote, with one juror citing the absence of Lee’s body as a key factor in their inability to reach a verdict.

The discovery of Lee’s remains, located about 90 minutes south of Oxford, has reignited interest in the case. 

According to police reports, Herrington was seen on video retrieving a shovel and wheelbarrow from his parents’ home the day after Lee disappeared, raising suspicions about his involvement. 

While the identification of Lee’s remains brings some closure to his family and friends, the local police department emphasizes that the investigation is far from over. 

“This case has remained an active investigation since July 8, 2022,” said Oxford Police Chief Jeff McCutchen in a press release. 

“We are grateful to the Lee family and Jay’s friends for their help and support throughout this process. We hope this confirmation brings them even a small measure of comfort.”

Criminal investigators involved in the case have worked tirelessly to piece together the events leading to Lee’s disappearance and death. 

Their efforts, combined with the expertise of the Mississippi State Crime Lab, have been instrumental in advancing the case. 

However, authorities have declined to provide further details, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.

Sheldon Timothy Herrington Jr., who is currently out on bond, could face a retrial. 

His defense attorney, Kevin Horan, has yet to comment on the recent developments. 

Meanwhile, the Lee family continues to seek justice for Jay, whose vibrant presence in the Oxford community is deeply missed.

As the investigations continue, the Oxford community remains hopeful that the truth will prevail. 

If you or someone you know has information related to this case, please contact the Oxford Police Department or the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office.