Carroll County residents’ reaction to Jay Lee’s remains found in the area
The Ole Miss student had been missing for more than two years before his body was found by two hunters in the area.
CARROLL, CO. (WLBT) – For the first time since WLBT broke the news about the gruesome discovery, we now have video from the area where investigators say Lee was found.
It’s an area residents we spoke with say, is a dark and lonely place where no human deserves to be left for dead.
“It’s a small town, and things like this shouldn’t happen, and it shouldn’t have happened to him either,” said Katlynn Williams, a Carroll County resident.
Those heartbroken by the horrendous discovery and others following the case hoping for a better outcome, are now in disbelief.
“It was sad, man! It was shocking to hear that too. For a body to [be] missing that long…that’s just wild,“ said Marvin Jones, another Carroll County resident.
It was near tires and mattresses where investigators say 22-year-old Jay Lee was lying lifeless for quite some time.
It’s unclear right now how long he had been there.
“Nobody deserves that at any time of their life,” said Williams.
The area Lee was located is just off County Road 65 in McCarley, Mississippi where a dirt road leads to Lee’s shallow grave.
The Ole Miss student was last seen alive on July 8, 2022. Just two weeks later, Timothy Herrington Jr. was arrested and charged with capital murder.
Prosecutors say Herrington was in a sexual relationship with Lee during the time.
A capital murder trial was held back in December. However, a mistrial was declared after a jury could not reach a unanimous verdict.
The jurors were split 11-1.
“I know her pain. Prayers to her family and whoever this young person was or whoever. I lost my brother and a sister last year, so I know how that feels,” said Jones after watching Lee’s emotional mother on the stand during the trial.
Despite the mysterious details surrounding this case, others hope this discovery brings some type of closure to loved ones.
“It’s sad about the circumstances that happened, and I truly hope that it brings closure to the family and friends and that they find the peace that they are looking for,” said Williams
When it comes to what’s next in this case, it’s currently still a waiting game.
As of now, Herrington remains out on bond and awaits his new trial date, which has not been set yet.
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