News Summary
A significant development in the murder trial of University of Mississippi student Jimmie ‘Jay’ Lee has occurred, as a judge has approved a change of venue for the retrial of Timothy Herrington Jr. The jury selection is now set to take place in Madison County due to previous trial complications, including a hung jury. Herrington is accused of Lee’s murder to cover up a sexual relationship. With jury selection scheduled for December 1, legal experts anticipate increased scrutiny of the evidence and the case’s societal implications.
Oxford, Mississippi – A significant development has occurred in the murder case of Jimmie “Jay” Lee, a University of Mississippi student. A judge has approved a change of venue for the retrial of Timothy Herrington Jr., accused of killing Lee, moving the jury selection to Madison County. This decision comes after Herrington’s first trial, which took place in December 2024, resulted in a hung jury.
The allegations state that Herrington killed Lee to conceal a sexual relationship they had. Lee, a 20-year-old openly gay member of Oxford’s LGBTQ community, went missing on July 8, 2022. His body was discovered in Carroll County by hunters in February 2025, which led to Herrington’s arrest two weeks after Lee’s disappearance. Herrington was initially charged with capital murder, and a new indictment was issued after the identification of Lee’s body.
Jury selection for the retrial is set to begin on December 1, 2025. In a procedural shift from the first trial, where jurors were selected from Forrest County, jurors will now be transported from Madison County to Lafayette County for the trial proceedings. This change aims to ensure impartiality due to the considerable public and media attention the case has garnered.
Herrington remains imprisoned in Lafayette County Jail without bond. The Mississippi District Attorney’s Office has confirmed that they will not seek the death penalty in this retrial. Throughout the legal process, Herrington’s legal team has maintained his innocence, and additional evidence related to the recovery of Lee’s body and the coroner’s report is expected to be introduced in the upcoming trial.
Prior to the retrial, pretrial motions are scheduled to occur in the coming weeks. Herrington’s attorney recently filed a motion to dismiss a tampering charge associated with evidence, but the judge dismissed it due to it being time-barred. The upcoming trial will closely scrutinize the evidence and circumstances surrounding Lee’s untimely death as the case moves forward.
The change of venue reflects the necessity of an unbiased jury amidst the significant media coverage and emotional public interest surrounding the case. As the trial approaches, legal experts and observers anticipate heightened attention to the proceedings and a rigorous examination of the facts presented.
This case serves as a poignant reminder of the impact of violent crime on communities, particularly within marginalized groups. As Oxford prepares for the upcoming retrial of Timothy Herrington Jr., many are watching closely to see how the legal system addresses this tragic situation.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Jury Selection for Herrington’s Murder Trial Moved to Madison County
Mistrial Declared in Ole Miss Student Jay Lee Murder Case
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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
University of Mississippi Hosts 1920s-Themed Murder Mystery Dinner
Additional Resources
- WAPT
- Wikipedia: Jimmie Jay Lee
- WLBT
- Google Search: Timothy Herrington murder trial
- Clarion Ledger
- Google Scholar: Jimmie Jay Lee murder case
- Oxford Eagle
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Criminal Law
- WTVA
- Google News: Mississippi criminal justice
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.
