Home / Crime and Justice / Sentencing looms for man in student murder case
Sentencing looms for man in student murder case
2 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Herrington pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and tampering.
- Jay Lee disappeared in July 2022, remains found in Feb 2025.
- A previous mistrial was declared for Herrington in December 2024.
Sheldon Timothy Herrington is set to be sentenced on Tuesday, following his guilty plea to second-degree murder and tampering charges. This plea came as jury selection was scheduled to begin for the case involving the death of University of Mississippi student Jimmie "Jay" Lee. Herrington's trial in December 2024 resulted in a mistrial.
Jimmie "Jay" Lee, a 20-year-old student, vanished in July 2022 while reportedly visiting someone at Molly Barr Trails in Oxford. His disappearance sparked a search that concluded nearly three years later. Herrington was accused of killing Lee to conceal a purported romantic relationship.
In February 2025, the skeletal remains of Lee were discovered by hunters in Carroll County, Mississippi. The county coroner stated that the condition of the remains prevented a definitive determination of the manner of death. The court proceedings are expected to conclude with Herrington's sentencing.
