Mistrial news shocks students around Oxford campus
by: Mike Suriani
OXFORD, Miss. — At the University of Mississippi on Thursday, news of a mistrial in the highly anticipated Jimmie “Jay” Lee murder case is making its way around campus.
Wednesday night before 9, Circuit Judge John Kelly Luther made the announcement that he was declaring a mistrial in Timothy Herrington’s murder trial.
“People were kind of shocked at the outcome — a mistrial, a hung jury and how seemingly there’s a person who’s going to get away with something that a lot of people feel like he seemingly shouldn’t get away with,” Junior Marlon Kirven said. “A lot of people are disappointed I would say.”
Luther had already sent jurors back twice to deliberate after they advised they were deadlocked 11 to 1. The Judge did not inquire if the majority was leaning toward guilt or innocence.
Herrington, who decided not to testify during the trial, was charged with capital murder in connection with the disappearance of Lee in July 2022, though Lee’s body has yet to be found.
After the judge declared a mistrial Wednesday, Herrington shook hands with members of his defense team before leaving court with family.
None of the attornies or family members wanted to speak about the mistrial.
Thursday, however, Oxford Police Chief Jeff McCutchen, who testified, issued a statement saying, “Our commitment, remains unshaken and our job is far from over. We have not
stopped looking for Jay Lee since July 8, 2022, and we will not stop until we bring him home to his family. If you have any information that can help us locate Jay, please contact us.”
A decision will be made on Herrington’s bond status in the next week or so.
Judge Luther said he will entertain motions for a new trial and requests for a change of venue.
Neither the prosecution nor defense returned our call Thursday.
About Post Author
