Missing Ole Miss student declared legally dead as trial for man accused in his death looms

2024-12-25 13:21:01 source:lotradecoin scam prevention tips category:Contact

OXFORD, Miss. (AP) — A Mississippi judge has declared a missing University of Mississippi student legally dead more than two years after his disappearance.

Jimmie “Jay” Lee, 20, was last seen July 8, 2022, driving from an apartment complex in Oxford. His vehicle was later recovered at another complex, but neither Lee nor his body were found.

Lee was well-known in the LGBTQ+ community in Oxford, and his disappearance sparked fear among students and residents.

Sheldon “Timothy” Herrington Jr. was arrested two weeks after Lee vanished and later indicted on a capital murder charge. Police have said Herrington’s cellphone history showed conversations between him and Lee on the morning Lee went missing. They said they found Google searches for “how long it takes to strangle someone” minutes after Lee reportedly told Herrington he was on his way to his apartment. Herrington has maintained his innocence.

Court documents show Lee’s parents filed a petition for declaration of death in the Lafayette County Circuit Court in September, The Clarion-Ledger reported. Judge Grady Tollison granted the request and signed the order in October, the newspaper said.

RELATED COVERAGE Hair found in truck helps police identify suspect in 1995 disappearance of Morgan Nick, 6 Families of 43 missing students in Mexico are still demanding justice 10 years later Man charged with killing 13-year-old Detroit girl whose body remains missing

Tollison noted the court previously ruled the “proof is evident and the presumption great” that Lee was dead further stating the court’s opinion “has not changed.”

″(Lee) is a person that has undergone a catastrophic event that exposed him to imminent peril or danger reasonably expected to result in the loss of life. Further, that it is uncontradicted that Mr. Lee’s absence since the event cannot be satisfactorily explained after diligent search and inquiry by family, friends and multiple law enforcement agencies,” Tollison wrote in the one-page order.

Herrington’s attorney, Kevin Horan, did not immediately respond Tuesday to a telephone message seeking comment.

Herrington is set to face trial Dec. 2.

More:Contact

Recommend

Luigi Mangione's Lawyer Speaks Out in UnitedHealthcare CEO Murder Case

Luigi Mangione's lawyer is standing by his client's right to due process.After the 26-year-old was c

Rex Heuermann, suspect in Gilgo Beach serial killings, expected to be charged in 4th murder, sources say

A man suspected in Long Island's Gilgo Beach cold case murders is expected to face new charges next

Taylor Swift and Brittany Mahomes Are Twinning & Winning in New Photos From Kansas City Chiefs Game

As Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs advanced in the playoffs, his girlfriend Taylor Swift was