News Summary
The family of Jimmie ‘Jay’ Lee, a University of Mississippi student who was murdered, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Sheldon Herrington and five other co-conspirators. The lawsuit claims Herrington intentionally caused Lee’s death and inflicted severe emotional distress upon his family. Herrington remains incarcerated awaiting a retrial for capital murder after a previous trial ended in a mistrial. The lawsuit seeks compensation for the family’s suffering as they continue to pursue justice for their loved one.
Oxford, Mississippi – The family of slain University of Mississippi student Jimmie “Jay” Lee has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against alleged killer Sheldon Timothy Herrington Jr. and five unnamed co-conspirators. The lawsuit was officially filed on July 3, 2025, against Herrington, who is accused of assaulting Lee and causing his death at Herrington’s residence in Oxford around July 8, 2022.
The wrongful death beneficiaries named in the complaint are Jimmie Dale Lee, Jr., Stephanie Lee, Tayla Renae Carey, and LaShunta Rena Lee. The lawsuit alleges that the actions of Herrington intentionally caused Lee’s death and resulted in significant mental anguish and suffering for his family. Additionally, the complaint claims that Herrington conspired with others to dispose of Lee’s body, leading to “negligent infliction of emotional distress” for Lee’s beneficiaries.
In light of these distressing events, the family is seeking compensation for the emotional turmoil and suffering experienced as a result of Lee’s death. Herrington has not filed a response to the lawsuit as of September 24, 2025.
Previously, Herrington faced a capital murder trial in December 2024, which ended in a mistrial due to a hung jury. A retrial has been scheduled for December 1, 2025, in Lafayette County, following a change of venue granted to ensure a fair trial.
Lee was reported missing on July 8, 2022, leading his mother to contact authorities. Herrington’s arrest occurred a few weeks later, with accusations circulating that he killed Lee to conceal their secret romantic relationship. In February 2023, Lee’s remains were discovered, formally confirming his death after he had been missing for several months. However, the cause of death is still under investigation by forensic pathologists.
After the recovery of Lee’s remains, Herrington was indicted on charges of capital murder and tampering with evidence. However, the tampering charge was later dismissed due to the statute of limitations. Throughout these proceedings, Herrington has consistently maintained his innocence. He is currently held at the Lafayette County Jail without bond while awaiting his trial date.
The wrongful death lawsuit follows extensive media coverage and a growing public interest in this tragic case. The community continues to rally around Lee’s family as they navigate the legal challenges ahead in their quest for justice.
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Additional Resources
- Clarion Ledger: Jimmie Jay Lee’s Family Lawsuit
- Action News 5: Remains Confirmed as Missing Ole Miss Student
- WJTV: Jimmie Jay Lee’s Remains Identified
- AP News: Mississippi Murder Trial Overview
- Advocate: Jimmie Lee Murder Mistrial
- Wikipedia: Jimmie Jay Lee
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.
