MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The highly-anticipated trial of a former University of Mississippi student is set to begin in Oxford, Mississippi on Monday.
Timothy Herrington Jr. is accused of murdering 20-year-old Jimmie “Jay” Lee, a University of Mississippi student who disappeared in July of 2022.
Officers believed he was visiting someone at Molly Barr Trails in Oxford at the time of his disappearance. Lee’s friends and family reported him missing after he failed to return home.
An investigation was launched and Lee’s vehicle was found abandoned at a towing company.
Weeks later, Herrington, 22, was arrested and charged with his death.
Investigators say they tied Herrington to Lee after reviewing surveillance footage and found bodily fluids that might connect him to Lee. They claim that Lee and Herrington’s relationship was sexual.
Herrington was ordered to be held without bond but later filed a suit claiming he was being held illegally since Lee’s body had not been recovered.
He was eventually given a $250,000 bond which he has since paid.
Due to this case gaining so much national attention, the prosecution and defense filed a joint motion to seal court documents, which was partially granted by the judge.
The goal was to limit pre-trial publicity and ensure a fair and impartial jury.
Jury selection begins in Herrington’s trial on Monday.
An order was issued back in October for the State of Mississippi to issue a certificate of death for Lee after he was officially presumed dead by the court.
Oxford law enforcement is still asking for tips in this case.