Shivangi Sinha
Around mid 2022, the residents of Oxford, Mississippi were shaken with the disappearance of Jimmie “Jay” Lee, a 20-year-old student of the University of Mississippi. On July 8, 2022, his mother, Stephanie Lee, requested a welfare check at his apartment after being unable to reach him, leading police to discover signs of a struggle. As the investigation and legal proceedings unfolded over the following months, Jay’s father, Jimmie Lee Sr., and his sister, Tayla Carey, were outspoken in the media, demanding answers and justice. Their experience and the ongoing case have been documented in NBC’s ‘Dateline: Bringing Jay Home.’
Jimmie “Jay” Lee’s Never Let the Attention on His Case Die Down
On July 8, 2022, after failing to hear from her son all day, Stephanie Lee contacted police and asked them to conduct a welfare check on Jimmie “Jay” Lee. It was her birthday, and she had been expecting a call from him, something she said felt especially important. When evening arrived and there was still no word, her concern escalated, and she urged officers to check on him. Stephanie later said she immediately sensed something was wrong. That fear intensified when Jay could not be located and investigators found indications of possible foul play. As the hours turned into days, Jay’s entire family became deeply involved in the search for answers.
Investigators eventually relied on data from the social media application Snapchat, which helped connect the case to Sheldon Herrington and set the legal process in motion. Throughout the investigation and court proceedings, Stephanie was joined by Jay’s father, Jimmie Lee Sr., and his sister, Tayla Carey, who consistently used social media and public platforms to keep attention on the case and demand justice. After Herrington was sentenced in December 2025, the family again spoke publicly about Jay. Stephanie tearfully thanked the Oxford Police Department for their continued commitment and persistence, while Tayla reflected on her brother’s energy, ambition, and love for life.
Stephanie and Jimmie Sr. Lee are Advocating for Legislation Today
In the weeks after Jimmie “Jay” Lee’s disappearance in July 2022, his mother, Stephanie Lee, became a visible force in the search. She helped organize a Hope Rally to keep public attention on her son’s case. She later testified during the trial in December 2024, where she spoke about Jay’s life, the last text message she received from him, and the immediate sense of alarm she felt when she could not reach him. Stephanie told the court that she asked her eldest child to check on Jay right away, trusting her instincts. After Jay’s remains were discovered in February 2025, she said her fears were sadly confirmed.
Today, Stephanie lives in Jackson, Mississippi, with her husband, Jimmie Lee Sr., to whom she has been married for about 24 years. She works at AGM Management and studied Billing and Coding at Hinds Community College. Together, their children, Tayla, Shun, Jessica, and Jay, keep closer to them and are the most precious gifts to their lives. Jimmie Lee Sr., a former pastor, has stood alongside Stephanie throughout the legal process and its aftermath.
The couple is now focused on advocacy, pushing for legislative changes that would require social media platforms to provide timely information to law enforcement in active and serious criminal investigations. While they emphasize respect for privacy, they argue that basic details, such as usernames, should not be withheld in murder cases. Through the campaign #JLI, they continue to receive widespread support and have maintained that their fight for justice and accountability is ongoing and far from over.
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Tayla Carey Has Not Spent a Day Without Missing Her Brother
Tayla Carey has built her life in Flowood, Mississippi, carrying with her constant memories of her brother, Jimmie “Jay” Lee. She has often spoken about life with Jay and the bond they shared, a connection that continues to shape her everyday life. Tayla is married to Maurice Wilson, and together they share their pet, Ms. Cookie. After Jay’s death, Tayla also took in his beloved dog, Lexi Lee, who had been by his side for nearly a decade and was known as his most loyal companion. In December 2025, when Lexi passed away, Tayla wrote kind words for him and the support he had given her brother.
Before Jay’s disappearance, Tayla and her brother had been involved in a small cake-decorating business together, a creative venture that reflected their closeness but is no longer active. Today, Tayla finds comfort in gardening, using it as a grounding outlet during her grief. She frequently expresses how deeply she misses her brother and has said that she is painfully aware of each day she has lived without him. Despite moving forward with her life, Jay’s presence remains central to her heart, and his memory continues to guide her journey.
