Attorney General and FBI join search for missing Ole Miss student

As students and community members rallied Wednesday evening in support of a University of Mississippi student who has been missing for 13 days, the state attorney general and FBI have joined the search.

“The Oxford Police Department and University Police Department have partnered with the Oxford Field Office of the FBI and the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office for additional resources and assistance where needed,” Oxford police announced Tuesday.

Jimmie “Jay” Lee, a 20-year-old from Jackson was last seen leaving the Campus Walk Apartments on July 8, wearing a gold cap, silver robe and gray slippers. He drove away in his 2014 black Ford Fusion with a custom “JAYLEE1” license plate, and has not been heard from since, according to a press release from the university.

Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,000 reward for information, and Lee’s family have asked the public for help in the search.

A day after the announcement that the attorney general and FBI were involved in the search, members of the Ole Miss and Oxford communities came together on The Grove to rally in support of Lee and his family. Attendees held signs with words of encouragement.

“We love Jay Lee,” one sign read. “UMiss loves Jay,” read another.

Lee is well known in Ole Miss as a member of the school’s LGBTQ community. He was also active in his native Jackson.

“Praying for comfort and strength for Jay Lee, friends and family, especially Jay’s sister, Tayla Carey,” said Keith Antonio Bankston, community organizer, leader and advocate for Jackson’s black LGBT community. “Lee was a beloved member and entertainer here in our Jackson LGBT Community.”

Anyone with information on Lee’s whereabouts are encouraged to contact the University of Mississippi Police Department at (662) 915-7234 or (662) 915-4911.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Jimmie “Jay” Lee search gained assistance from FBI and attorney general