MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - Former University of Mississippi student Timothy Herrington Jr. was sentenced to 40 years in prison Tuesday after pleading guilty to the murder of Jimmie “Jay” Lee on Monday.

Herrington pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and tampering with evidence just as his second trial was scheduled to begin this week. The plea came as a surprise to prosecutors, who said they had reached out to Herrington on Friday but received no response.

Prosecutors said this is the first time they have seen him take accountability for anything.

During the emotional sentencing, Jay’s father spoke directly to Herrington.

“I don’t have a hell to put you in or a heaven to keep you out of. But I want to remind you of God’s redemptive plan,” Jimmie Lee said.

During a press conference fol

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