Oxford, Mississippi, October 10, 2025
News Summary
The Lafayette County courts have approved an out-of-county jury selection for Timothy Herrington Jr.’s murder trial linked to the death of Ole Miss student Jimmie ‘Jay’ Lee. Herrington, facing a two-count capital murder charge, will have his jury selected from Madison County to ensure a fair trial due to intense media attention. His trial is scheduled to take place at the Lafayette County Courthouse, following a previous mistrial in December 2024. The case has attracted significant public scrutiny, particularly within the local LGBTQ+ community.
Oxford, Mississippi – The Lafayette County courts have approved Timothy Herrington Jr.’s request for an out-of-county jury selection in relation to the murder of Ole Miss student Jimmie “Jay” Lee. This decision allows the jury to be selected from Madison County, ensuring a fair trial amidst extensive media coverage and public scrutiny surrounding the case.
Herrington, who has been newly indicted in February 2025 on a two-count capital murder charge, is set to face trial on December 1, 2025, at the Lafayette County Courthouse in Oxford. His previous trial, which took place in December 2024, resulted in a mistrial due to a deadlocked jury that voted 11-1 in favor of guilt.
The motion for a change of venue was unopposed by state prosecutors, highlighting the complexities and challenges the case has faced thus far. Herrington was indicted following the discovery of Lee’s remains in February 2025, which led authorities to believe that Herrington may have killed Lee to cover up a romantic relationship between the two.
Jay Lee, who disappeared on July 8, 2022, was reported missing by his mother after he stopped communicating with family members. His body was identified through DNA analysis, culminating in Herrington’s re-indictment. Lee was a recognized figure within the Oxford LGBTQ+ community and was celebrated for his creative expression during drag performances.
As this case progresses, the family of Jimmie “Jay” Lee has also filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Herrington and five alleged co-conspirators. This lawsuit contends that Herrington’s actions directly led to Lee’s death and seeks compensation for emotional distress and suffering experienced by the family.
While Herrington remains in custody without bond and has been denied bail, prosecutors have indicated that they do not plan to seek the death penalty. Herrington is maintaining his innocence throughout the proceedings, and his defense team has been granted time to review evidence before the trial starts. Moreover, a motion to dismiss a tampering charge made by Herrington’s attorney has been ruled as time-barred by the court.
A criminal investigation has involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Oxford Police Department and the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, ensuring a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding Lee’s death and the events leading up to it.
The case continues to unfold in the judicial system, pending trial where Herrington will face significant allegations that have rocked the community and drawn significant attention due to the nature of the crime and its profound impact on the local LGBTQ+ population.
FAQ
- What county will the jury for Timothy Herrington Jr.’s trial be selected from?
- The jury will be selected from Madison County.
- What are the charges against Timothy Herrington Jr.?
- Herrington has been newly indicted on a two-count capital murder charge.
- When is the new trial date set for Herrington?
- The new trial date for Herrington is set for December 1, 2025.
- What happened in Herrington’s previous trial?
- The previous trial in December 2024 ended in a mistrial due to a deadlocked jury.
- What relationship did Timothy Herrington allegedly have with Jimmie “Jay” Lee?
- Herrington is accused of killing Lee to conceal a romantic relationship between them.
- What has Jimmie “Jay” Lee’s family done in response to his death?
- The family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Herrington and five alleged co-conspirators.
- What is the status of Herrington’s bond?
- Herrington’s bond has been denied, and he remains in custody without bond until trial.
Key Features of the Timothy Herrington Jr. Case
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Jury Selection Location | Madison County |
| Charges | Two-count capital murder |
| Trial Date | December 1, 2025 |
| Previous Trial Outcome | Mistrial |
| Relationship Context | Alleged romantic relationship with victim |
| Family Action | Wrongful death lawsuit |
| Bond Status | Denied |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Clarion Ledger: Ole Miss Student Jimmie Jay Lee Kin Sue
- WAPT: Timothy Herrington Venue Change Motion
- AP News: Mississippi Murder Trial of Jimmie Jay Lee
- Fox 13 Memphis: Jury Selection for Timothy Herrington’s Trial
- Wikipedia: Jimmie Jay Lee
- Google Search: Jay Lee Murder Case
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jimmie Jay Lee
- Google News: Jay Lee Timothy Herrington
Author: STAFF HERE OXFORD WRITER
The OXFORD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOxford.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Oxford, Lafayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Oxford Film Festival, Double Decker Arts Festival, and University of Mississippi football games. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and the University of Mississippi, plus leading businesses in education and retail that power the local economy such as Ole Miss Athletics and Square Books. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
