The remains of Jimmie “Jay” Lee, a University of Mississippi student and prominent figure in Oxford’s LGBTQ+ community, have been discovered more than two years after he went missing.
On Wednesday, the Oxford Police Department confirmed via social media that the state Crime Lab identified the human skeletal remains unearthed in Carroll County over the weekend as belonging to Lee.
“The Oxford Police Department committed to finding Jay, regardless of how long it took,” stated Chief Jeff McCutchen in the announcement.
The confirmation follows days of speculation circulating in Grenada County, the hometown of Sheldon Timothy Herrington Jr., the University of Mississippi alumnus charged with the murder of Lee.
A potential clue that intensified the rumors was a gold necklace found alongside Lee’s remains, inscribed with his name. Reports indicate that this nameplate corresponded to jewelry Lee wore in Instagram videos posted just two days prior to his disappearance on July 8, 2022.
“They had a guess about his identity,” remarked Mark Stiles, the Carroll County coroner.
According to a release from the Carroll County Sheriff’s Department, deer hunters discovered Lee’s remains in a wooded gully on Saturday, February 1. The Oxford police statement did not disclose further details about the individuals who found the remains or the circumstances of their discovery.
“While this phase of the investigation is concluded, further work remains,” law enforcement indicated. “However, we cannot offer any additional information at this moment.”
Stiles characterized the location of Lee’s remains as a spot off a road notorious for illegal dumping, where residents often discard garbage, old tires, and unwanted furniture. Although landowners have reported the issue to the sheriff’s office, the illegal dumping persists to such an extent that even this significant discovery is unlikely to halt the practice.
“This is very typical in rural regions,” Stiles noted. “You won’t find the remains until someone accidentally comes across them.”
The impact of this discovery on the case against Herrington is still uncertain; he faces a charge of capital murder and was previously brought to trial in December by the Lafayette County district attorney. A juror’s refusal to convict due to the absence of a body led to a mistrial.
Lafayette County District Attorney Ben Creekmore has expressed his intent to retry Herrington but has not been available for comment.
In response to Lee’s disappearance, a movement dubbed Justice for Jay Lee emerged, spearheaded by Lee’s friends from college. On Wednesday, the group shared a video on Instagram showcasing Lee dancing joyfully, with his arm raised as he sparkled in a silver skirt against a backdrop of lively club music.
The finding of Lee’s remains provides his family, particularly his sister Tayla Carey, a measure of closure.
“Personally, I feel some comfort in knowing he isn’t out there alone anymore,” she expressed.
She emphasized that while celebrations for Lee’s life and a fitting memorial are upcoming, true closure will not come until justice is served in a new trial.
“It has been a lengthy two and a half years,” Carey reflected. “A very long, drawn-out two and a half years.”
