Photo: Henrico County Sheriff's Office via Getty
Christopher Darnell Jones Jr., a former University of Virginia (UVA) student, pleaded guilty on November 20 to 10 charges related to the fatal shooting of three UVA football players and the wounding of two other students in 2022. The charges include three counts of first-degree murder, two counts of aggravated malicious wounding, and five counts of using a firearm in the commission of a felony, CNN, The Daily Progress, and UVA Today report.
The tragic incident occurred on November 13, 2022, when football players Devin Chandler, Lavel Davis Jr., and D’Sean Perry were fatally shot aboard a bus returning to campus. Teammates Mike Hollins and Marlee Morgan sustained injuries. A witness testified that Jones, 25, specifically targeted certain victims, but authorities have not disclosed a motive.
The shooting unfolded as the bus approached a campus parking garage. According to The Daily Progress, Jones sent ominous texts to his brother, mother, and mentor before the attack, writing to his mentor: “This entire trip these boys have been f—in wit me… tonight I’m either going to hell or jail. I’m sorry.”
Jones fatally shot Davis first, reportedly aiming through a gap in the bus seats. Davis attempted to disarm Jones but was shot in the back of the head. Jones then shot Perry, a junior linebacker, followed by Chandler, a junior wide receiver who was asleep wearing noise-canceling headphones. Witnesses described Chandler sliding onto the floor after being shot.
Hollins, one of the wounded victims and Perry’s friend, initially escaped but returned to the bus upon realizing Perry had not exited. As Hollins turned back, Jones shot him in the back. Jones then fled to Scott Stadium, where he attempted to dispose of his Glock 9mm pistol, ammunition, and clothing in various locations on campus.
Police arrived to find Chandler and Perry deceased at the scene, while Davis succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. Jones’ plea agreement does not include sentencing terms. A four-day sentencing hearing is scheduled for February 4, 2025, in Albemarle County Circuit Court. In Virginia, aggravated murder typically carries a mandatory life sentence, while first-degree murder sentences range from 20 years to life. told by CBS News.
UVA President Jim Ryan expressed the university’s grief: “Today’s proceedings represent another step in a lengthy and painful journey for the families of the victims and for our community. We continue to grieve the loss of three beloved members of our community and the injuries suffered by others on the bus.”
