Forensic Files

Talking Dateline: Bringing Jay Home

Dateline NBC

  • Feb 4, 2026
  • 26:09
  • Full Episode
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<p>Andrea Canning and Blayne Alexander sit down to discuss Blayne’s latest episode, "Bringing Jay Home." When 20-year-old Jimmie "Jay" Lee -- a proud gay man, Ole Miss student, and loving son -- went missing in 2022, police put together a painful theory: Jay’s former classmate Sheldon Timothy Herrington killed him out of fear that their relationship would be exposed. More than three years and one mistrial later, Herrington confessed to the murder. Blayne talks about the powerful legacy Jay Lee left behind and the passionate investigators who tackled his case. Plus, she shares a podcast-exclusive clip from her interview with Jay’s parents. Then, she and Andrea answer viewer and listener questions from social media. </p><p> </p><p>Have a question for Talking Dateline? DM us a video to @DatelineNBC or leave a voicemail at (212) 413-5252. Your question may be featured in an upcoming episode.</p><p>Listen to the full episode “Bringing Jay Home” on Apple:<a href="https://apple.co/3ZcraI7">https://apple.co/3ZcraI7</a><br />Listen on Spotify:<a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/17AuUeUpFBQo31JfpB5J1B">https://open.spotify.com/episode/17AuUeUpFBQo31JfpB5J1B</a></p><p> </p><p>Dateline Premium subscribers can listen to the After the Verdict episode that featured retired detective Lisa Miller, whose comment was featured in the social media section of this episode.</p><p>Listen on Apple: <a href="https://apple.co/3OkiL2S">https://apple.co/3OkiL2S</a></p><p>Listen on Spotify: <a href="https://dateline.supportingcast.fm/listen/dateline-nbc-premium/after-the-verdict-while-she-was-sleeping">https://dateline.supportingcast.fm/listen/dateline-nbc-premium/after-the-verdict-while-she-was-sleeping</a></p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

Brief Summary

Blaine Alexander discusses Jay Lee's tragic story, his family's love, and the impact of his murder on the LGBTQ community.

Key points

  • Bringing Jay Home. A deep dive into Jay Lee's life and tragic disappearance, showcasing his vibrant personality and the impact of his loss.
  • Mother's Intuition. Jay's mother sensed something was wrong when he didn't call on her birthday, leading to the search for him.
  • The Emotional Police Chief. The Oxford police chief's emotional commitment to solving Jay's case highlights the human side of law enforcement.
  • A Father's Heartbreak. Jay's father reflects on the pain of losing his son and the love that remained until the end.
  • The Dangers of Secrets. The episode reveals the tragic story of Jesse James Valencia, a Missouri college student murdered by a police officer he was secretly seeing.
  • Unexpected Loss. Lexi, Jay's dog, passed away unexpectedly just days after the interview.

Tension

75/ 100High tension

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