Details emerged during the trial of a man charged with capital murder in the disappearance of a University of Mississippi student. The student, known as Jay Lee, exchanged sexually explicit Snapchat messages with the accused before vanishing on July 8, 2022. Lee, a prominent figure in the LGBTQ+ community at Ole Miss, was reported missing, and his body has not been found.
The accused, Sheldon “Timothy” Herrington Jr., denies any involvement in Lee's disappearance. Testimonies revealed that Herrington and Lee had a relationship, despite Herrington not being openly part of the LGBTQ+ community. Evidence presented during the trial includes cellphone records, social media interactions, and internet searches made by Herrington on the day Lee went missing.
Witnesses testified to seeing Lee shortly before his disappearance, mentioning a previous encounter with a man that had ended poorly. Subsequent Snapchat messages between Lee and Herrington indicated a heated exchange, with Lee ultimately heading to meet Herrington. Google records showed Herrington searched for information on strangulation shortly before Lee's final message was sent.
Surveillance footage captured a vehicle matching Lee's description driving through Oxford on the morning of his disappearance. Herrington was seen jogging in the area and later flagged down a witness for a ride. Lee's car was later found at a different location, leading to further suspicions.
Both Herrington and Lee were graduates of the University of Mississippi, with Lee pursuing a master's degree and known for his creative expression through fashion and makeup. Prosecutors have opted not to pursue the death penalty in this case, with Herrington facing a potential life sentence if convicted of capital murder, which in this instance involves kidnapping.
