Man Sentenced to Life for Triple Murder of UVA Football Players

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — Christopher Darnell Jones Jr. was sentenced to life in prison on Friday for the shooting deaths of three University of Virginia football players and the wounding of two other students. The sentencing took place after a weeklong hearing at the Albemarle County Circuit Court.

Judge Cheryl Higgins delivered the maximum sentence of five life terms for the murders of Devin Chandler, Lavel Davis Jr., and D'Sean Perry, along with an additional 23 years for aggravated malicious wounding. The incident occurred on November 13, 2022, as a group of students returned to campus from a field trip to Washington, D.C.

During the hearing, several witnesses, including victims Michael Hollins and Marlee Morgan, spoke about the horrific impact the shootings had on their lives. Hollins, who was injured in the attack, expressed a sense of peace that Jones would not harm anyone else.

Jones, who pleaded guilty to three counts of first-degree murder and other charges last year, apologized to the victims’ families in a tearful statement. “I’m so sorry,” he said. “I caused so much pain.”

The judge noted the brutality of the crime, stating there was no indication that Jones was threatened or coerced during the attack. She described the nature of the shootings as “execution style” and highlighted that the victims were vulnerable.

Family members of the victims and Jones took the stand during the hearing. Some testified to the emotional turmoil caused by the shooting, while others spoke about Jones’ difficult upbringing, citing abusive childhood experiences and mental health issues.

“This is the worst crime in Albemarle history,” said assistant Commonwealth attorney Richard Farley during the proceedings. The serious nature of the crimes and their aftermath weighed heavily in the judge’s decision to impose the maximum sentence.

Even as the legal proceedings concluded, the emotional impact of the case continues to reverberate throughout the community. The time served will not replace the lost lives, yet it provides a sense of justice to those affected by this tragedy.