The trial of Timothy Herrington, accused of murdering Jimmy “Jay” Lee, started Tuesday morning with opening arguments and emotional testimony in what is expected to be a 10-day proceeding.

Prosecutors aim to prove that Herrington was the last person to see Lee, a 20-year-old University of Mississippi graduate, before his disappearance on July 8, 2022. Lee’s body has never been found, and the defense argues there is no direct evidence of his death or Herrington’s involvement.

Herrington was arrested on July 22, 2022, and charged with Lee’s murder. He was indicted on a capital murder charge and has been out on a $250,000 bond since December 2022.

In her opening remarks, Assistant District Attorney Gwen Agho presented a narrative alleging that Lee visited Herrington’s apartment in the early hours of July 8 after a series of text messages. Prosecutors contend that an argument ensued after an intimate encounter.

Agho told the jury that evidence, including Google searches by Herrington on “How long does it take to strangle someone,” would be presented to support their case.

Prosecutors outlined their case, including text message exchanges between Lee and Herrington on the night of the disappearance. They assert Herrington lured Lee back to his apartment with promises to “make it up to him” after a prior argument.

Defense attorney Kevin Horan countered, urging jurors to focus on the lack of physical evidence.

Horan argued that there is no DNA, crime scene, or definitive proof that a crime occurred.

“The state’s case is built on conjecture and speculation,” he said, adding that the jury must not allow emotions, including the grief of Lee’s mother, to influence their deliberations.

The trial’s first witness was Lee’s mother, Stephanie Lee, who broke down in tears when recounting her close relationship with her son.

Stephanie Lee testified that she spoke to Jay every day, but those conversations abruptly stopped on July 8, which was also her birthday. Concerned, she drove from Jackson to Oxford the next day to request local police do a welfare check after failing to hear from him.

Lee’s body has not been recovered.

The jury selection was done on Monday in Hattiesburg. After a full day, a jury of seven men and eight women was selected; however, three jurors will be alternates.

Security was heightened at the Lafayette County Courthouse, with attendees passing through metal detectors and bag checks. Dozens of reporters, including national media outlets such as Dateline, were present. The courtroom was filled with spectators, including family and friends of both Lee and Herrington.

Judge Kelly Luther addressed the emotional nature of the trial by instructing attendees to remove or cover clothing and stickers with slogans like “Justice for Jay Lee,” emphasizing the need for neutrality in the courtroom.

After lunch, two of Lee’s friends — Jose Reyes and Khalin Fears took the stand.

It is unknown whether Herrington will testify in his defense.