A major development has been reached in the case surrounding the 2022 disappearance and death of University of Mississippi student Jimmie “Jay” Lee.
On Monday, Sheldon Timothy Herrington entered a guilty plea to second-degree murder and tampering in connection with Lee’s death.
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Guilty Plea Entered as Retrial Begins
Herrington’s plea came just as jury selection was underway for what would have been his retrial. The case, which has stretched over three years, has seen delays, a mistrial, and ongoing questions about Lee’s final moments.
The plea marks the first official admission of guilt in a case that has deeply affected the Ole Miss community and advocates across the state.
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Background of the Case
Lee disappeared in July 2022, prompting a large-scale search and national attention. Herrington was arrested shortly after, but his 2024 trial ended in a mistrial when jurors could not reach a unanimous verdict.
In early 2025, human remains later confirmed to belong to Lee were discovered, bringing both answers and new challenges for investigators.
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A Step Toward Closure
For Lee’s family, friends, and supporters, the guilty plea represents a long-awaited move toward justice. While many questions remain, Monday’s plea has brought a sense of resolution after more than three years of uncertainty.
