The Oxford Police Department is aware of an ongoing investigation in Carroll County involving human remains that may be linked to the missing Ole Miss student.

However, they could not release any additional information.

In a press release this evening, OPD said Carroll County Sheriff’s Department is the lead agency and that it is an active investigation. No additional comments about the investigation will be made until the identification of the remains has been confirmed, OPD stated.

“Our main priority has always been to bring Jay Lee home. We, like the public, are anxiously awaiting updates and ask for patience as the investigative process unfolds,” said Chief Jeff McCutchen.

According to news reports, a group of hunters discovered human remains on Saturday in Carroll County, accompanied by a gold necklace inscribed with the name Jimmie “Jay” Lee. However, officials have not yet confirmed whether the remains belong to the missing University of Mississippi student, who was also a prominent member of Oxford’s LGBTQ+ community.

Lee, 20, was last seen at about 6 a.m. on July 8, 2022, when he left his apartment at Campus Walk Apartments. Lee’s body was never recovered.

Timothy Herrington, originally from Grenada but was living in Oxford in July 2022, was arrested on July 22, 2022, and charged with Lee’s murder.

Carroll County is located about 22 miles south of Grenada where Herrington’s family lives and where he was seen the day after Lee disappeared.

A trial took place in Lafayette County in December; however, the trial was declared a mistrial when the 12-person jury could not reach a unanimous verdict. The jury voted 11-1 to convict Herrington on capital murder.

This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as they become available.