A trial is set for a man charged in the killing of a University of Mississippi student

Sheldon “Timothy” Herrington Jr. of Grenada, Mississippi, is charged with capital homicide within the demise of Jimmy “Jay” Lee. 

OXFORD , Miss. (AP) — A person is ready to go on trial beginning this week within the 2022 killing of a College of Mississippi pupil who was well-known within the native LGBTQ+ neighborhood.

Sheldon “Timothy” Herrington Jr. of Grenada, Mississippi, is charged with capital homicide within the demise of Jimmy “Jay” Lee, 20, who was final seen July 8, 2022, at an condo advanced in Oxford.

Lee’s physique has not been discovered. In October, a choose declared him lifeless after Lee’s mother and father requested that declaration.

Herrington has maintained his innocence.

Jury choice started Monday in Forrest County, about 250 miles (402 kilometers) south of Oxford. The trial is scheduled to be held on the Lafayette County Courthouse in Oxford.

Each Herrington and Lee had graduated from the College of Mississippi. Lee was pursuing a grasp’s diploma.

Lee was recognized for his artistic expression via style and make-up and infrequently carried out in drag exhibits in Oxford, in response to a assist group known as Justice for Jay Lee.

Police mentioned cellphone historical past confirmed conversations between Herrington and Lee the morning that Lee disappeared. They mentioned Herrington additionally searched on-line about worldwide journey and “how lengthy it takes to strangle somebody” minutes after Lee mentioned he was on his technique to Herrington’s condo.

Surveillance video recorded Herrington operating from the place Lee’s automobile was discovered, and he was later seen choosing up a shovel and wheelbarrow at his mother and father’ home, authorities mentioned.

Lee, who was from Jackson, unsuccessfully ran for homecoming king in 2021 on a platform of “self love and realizing your reality,” The Each day Mississippian reported.

“Ole Miss embraces so many alternative cultures and backgrounds,” Lee mentioned.

Herrington, who had graduated from the college, was arrested two weeks after Lee vanished, then launched 5 months afterward a $250,000 bond after agreeing to give up his passport and put on an ankle monitor. A grand jury in March 2023 indicted him on a capital homicide cost.

Prosecutors have introduced they don’t intend to pursue the demise penalty, that means he may get a life sentence if convicted. Mississippi legislation defines capital homicide as a killing dedicated together with one other felony — on this case, kidnapping.