Closing arguments set for Wednesday morning

The prosecution and defense in the murder trial of Timothy Herrington Jr. concluded their cases on Tuesday, marking the seventh day of proceedings in Oxford. Herrington stands accused of killing University of Mississippi student Jimmie “Jay” Lee in 2022.

Circuit Court Judge Kelly Luther adjourned the jury at approximately 3 p.m. to allow attorneys to finalize jury instructions. These instructions will be presented to the jury on Wednesday morning at 8:30 a.m., after which deliberations will begin.

The case captured national attention when Lee, an active member of Oxford’s LGBTQ+ community, disappeared on July 8, 2022. Herrington was arrested and charged with capital murder two weeks later. Despite extensive searches, Lee’s body has not been recovered.

The trial has generated significant public and media interest, with multiple outlets live-streaming the proceedings. The trial officially began on Dec. 3, following a full day of jury selection on Dec. 2 in Hattiesburg.

Judge Luther informed Herrington of his right to testify. Herrington, however, chose not to take the stand in his defense.

The prosecution presented testimony from numerous witnesses throughout the trial, concluding with Oxford Police Chief Jeff McCutchen. Following the prosecution’s case, the defense called four witnesses, including a customer of a moving company, as well as Herrington’s cousin, father, and grandfather. Defense attorney Kevin Horan officially rested the defense’s case at 2:43 p.m.

The Oxford Eagle will provide updates on the jury’s deliberations Wednesday through its Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) pages.

Read more stories from the trial:

Day 6: https://www.oxfordeagle.com/2024/12/09/day-6-of-herring…-online-searches/

Day 5: https://www.oxfordeagle.com/2024/12/07/judge-denies-mis…rial-on-saturday/

Day 4: https://www.oxfordeagle.com/2024/12/06/more-details-emerge-in-day-4-of-herrington-trial/

Day 3: https://www.oxfordeagle.com/2024/12/05/digital-evidence-chilling-searches-unveiled-during-day-3-of-herrington-murder-trial/

Day 2: https://www.oxfordeagle.com/2024/12/04/day-two-of-herrington-trial-focuses-on-timelines-video-footage-of-lees-car/

Day 1: https://www.oxfordeagle.com/2024/12/03/trial-of-timothy-herrington-begins-in-oxford/