Oxford, Mississippi, October 10, 2025
News Summary
Timothy Herrington Jr. is set for a retrial in the murder case of Ole Miss student Jimmie ‘Jay’ Lee, with the new proceedings scheduled. The trial follows a previous mistrial and will focus on the allegations surrounding their relationship and the subsequent charges against Herrington.
Oxford, Mississippi
Timothy Herrington Jr. is set to face a retrial for the murder of Ole Miss student Jimmie “Jay” Lee, with the new trial scheduled for December 1, 2025. The proceedings will take place at the Lafayette County Courthouse in Oxford, Mississippi. Following a judge’s order for a change of venue, jury selection will occur outside of Lafayette County.
This upcoming trial marks Herrington’s second attempt at prosecution. His first trial, which occurred in December 2024, ended in a mistrial due to the jury’s inability to reach a unanimous verdict, coming to a vote of 11-1 in favor of conviction. In that initial trial, a jury from Forrest County, located in southern Mississippi, was convened.
Timeline of Events
Jimmie Lee was reported missing on July 8, 2022, after his mother expressed her concerns to authorities about not being in contact with him. Lee, at the age of 20, was known as a member of the Oxford LGBTQ+ community. Shortly after Lee’s disappearance, Herrington was arrested and charged with murder, amid allegations that he was attempting to conceal their purported romantic relationship.
Lee’s remains were discovered by hunters in Carroll County in early February 2023, leading to a second indictment against Herrington. He was charged with capital murder and tampering with evidence following the finding of Lee’s body. Previously charged with tampering with evidence, that count was later dismissed on the grounds that it was beyond the statute of limitations.
Current Status of Herrington’s Case
Herrington has pleaded not guilty to all charges and remains in custody at the Lafayette County Jail without bond. The prosecution has confirmed that they will not pursue the death penalty in this case. Herrington’s attorney has advocated for his innocence, filing motions to dismiss the charges on various procedural grounds.
Prosecutors have characterized the relationship between Herrington and Lee as one that Herrington attempted to hide, which they claim led to the alleged murder. Additionally, Herrington displayed erratic behavior prior to his arraignment, and he has faced allegations of attempting to obstruct justice relating to the investigation.
The circumstances surrounding Lee’s death and Herrington’s involvement have garnered significant media attention and public scrutiny, prompting the decision to relocate the trial venue to ensure an impartial jury.
Conclusion
The upcoming retrial of Timothy Herrington holds considerable importance for the community and families involved. As the date approaches, residents and stakeholders in Oxford, Mississippi, continue to seek clarity in a case that has deeply impacted the local and broader communities.
FAQ
What is the retrial date for Timothy Herrington?
The retrial is scheduled for December 1, 2025.
Where will the retrial take place?
The retrial will take place at the Lafayette County Courthouse in Oxford, Mississippi.
What led to the mistrial in Herrington’s first trial?
The first trial ended in a mistrial because the jury failed to reach a unanimous verdict, with an 11-1 split.
What happened to Jimmie Lee?
Jimmie Lee was reported missing on July 8, 2022, and his remains were found in early February 2023.
What charges does Timothy Herrington face?
Herrington faces charges of capital murder and tampering with evidence.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Accused | Timothy Herrington Jr. |
| Victim | Jimmie “Jay” Lee |
| Original Trial Date | December 2024 |
| Mistrial Outcome | Jury failed to reach unanimous verdict (11-1) |
| Retrial Date | December 1, 2025 |
| Charges | Capital murder, tampering with evidence (dismissed for statute of limitations) |
| Location of Jury Selection | Outside Lafayette County |
| Status | In custody without bond |
| Prosecution’s Stance on Death Penalty | Will not seek death penalty |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Jury Selection for Herrington’s Murder Trial Moved to Madison County
Mistrial Declared in Ole Miss Student Jay Lee Murder Case
New Parking Lot Opens for University of Mississippi Commuters
Family of Slain Student Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit
University of Mississippi Employee Dismissed Over Controversial Post
Rescheduled Trial Date for Murder Case of Jimmie Lee
Sheldon Timothy Herrington Jr. Retrial Rescheduled
Mistrial Declared in Herrington Capital Murder Case
Lafayette County Real Estate Transactions Overview (April 2025)
Major Drug Bust in Lafayette County Leads to 42 Arrests
Additional Resources
- WAPT: Trial in Jimmie Jay Lee Murder Case
- Clarion Ledger: Ole Miss Student Jimmie Jay Lee Kin Sue
- Fox 13 Memphis: Judge Grants Change of Venue
- Clarion Ledger: Judge Sets New Trial Date for Herrington
- Wikipedia: Jimmie Lee
- Google Search: Timothy Herrington trial
- Google Scholar: Jimmie Lee murder case
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Timothy Herrington
- Google News: Ole Miss student murder
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.
