RIDGELAND, Miss. (WJTV) – Family and friends gathered at The Exodus Assembly in Ridgeland on Saturday to celebrate the life of Jimmie “Jay” Lee.

Lee was laid to rest a few weeks after authorities said his remains were found in Carroll County by deer hunters.

His great aunt, Naomi Tyler Williams, reflected on her last visit with Lee.

“I remember the talk that Jay and I had, brilliant young man. He wanted to get his degree, so he could come back and help his people that needed him. That’s the type of person that Jay was,” Williams said.

Sheldon Timothy Herrington is now charged with capital murder and tampering with evidence in the case. He pleaded not guilty on Tuesday.

Herrington will be held without bond until his hearing on February 21 where he will be represented by a public defender.

He was indicted on February 7. The state is not prepared to say if they will seek the death penalty at that time.

Herrington was accused of killing Lee, a University of Mississippi student, to hide an alleged romantic relationship in 2022.

Herrington went to trial in December, but a jury was unable to reach a verdict and a mistrial was declared. He has maintained his innocence.