Talking Dateline: Bringing Jay Home
- Feb 4, 2026
- 26:09
- Full Episode
<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.
Episode highlights
- Bringing Jay HomeA deep dive into Jay Lee's life and tragic disappearance, showcasing his vibrant personality and the impact of his loss.“He was an out and proud gay man.”1:15Feb 4, 2026
- Mother's IntuitionJay's mother sensed something was wrong when he didn't call on her birthday, leading to the search for him.“She just knew immediately.”5:01Feb 4, 2026
- The Emotional Police ChiefThe Oxford police chief's emotional commitment to solving Jay's case highlights the human side of law enforcement.“He was amazing.”9:00Feb 4, 2026
- A Father's HeartbreakJay's father reflects on the pain of losing his son and the love that remained until the end.“He touched people's lives.”18:09Feb 4, 2026
- The Dangers of SecretsThe episode reveals the tragic story of Jesse James Valencia, a Missouri college student murdered by a police officer he was secretly seeing.“This was a Missouri college student named Jesse James Valencia murdered in 2004”20:58Feb 4, 2026
- Unexpected LossLexi, Jay's dog, passed away unexpectedly just days after the interview.“Lexi died three days after our interview.”23:30Feb 4, 2026
- Gratitude for Good OfficersDetective Lisa J. Miller expresses gratitude for the caring officers involved in the case.“Most that wear the badge are good humans.”24:21Feb 4, 2026
- Dateline's Winter BreakDateline will take a break for the Winter Olympics but will continue working on new episodes.“What is this you speak of?”24:55Feb 4, 2026






