Oxford Police Chief Jeff McCutchen released a statement Thursday morning in response to the murder trial of the man accused of killing Ole Miss student Jimmie “Jay” Lee ending in a mistrial after the jury failed to reach a unanimous verdict Wednesday night.

Lee, an active member of Oxford’s LGBTQ+ community, disappeared on July 8, 2022. Sheldon “Timothy” Herrington was arrested on July 22, 2022, and charged with capital. Despite extensive searches, Lee’s body has not been recovered.

Herrington’s trial started on Dec. 3 and concluded on Wednesday. The jury went into deliberations at 11 a.m. After deliberating for nine hours, the 12-person jury failed to agree on a verdict.

Circuit Court Judge Kelly Luther ruled the trial a mistrial and told state prosecutors he would entertain a motion for a new trial.

“The Oxford Police Department’s hearts are heavy for the Lee family as the jury was unable to reach a decision in this case,” McCutchen said in the release. “The Oxford Police Department appreciates and thanks the prosecuting team and every law enforcement agency that poured their hearts into this case.”

McCutchen said OPD’s commitment to finding Lee remains “steadfast.”

“Our commitment, remains unshaken and our job is far from over,” McCutchen said. “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.”

District Attorney Ben Creekmore told the media he planned to move forward with a new trial.

Herrington has been out on a $250,000 bond since December 2022. After the trial ended Wednesday, Luther allowed Herrington to remain out on the original bond. Still, he told attorneys they may need to hold another bond hearing as he suspected the bond would soon expire.

McCutchen asked if anyone had information about Lee to contact OPD at 662-232-2400 or CrimeStoppers at 662-234-8799.