On November 13, 2022, at around 10:30 p.m., a bus full of University of Virginia students arrived back from a class trip. Upon arriving back in the Culbreth parking garage, Christopher Darnell Jones Jr. open fired on the bus, killing three people and injuring two others.
Christopher Darnell Jones Jr. started at UVA in the fall of 2018. He walked on to the football team as a running back, but left the team that same year. Most of the students on the trip did not know him because he was older and he did not take the class with them. He was invited to join the class trip by the professor because he was taking a different class with her.
In 2021, Christopher was charged with a misdemeanor for leaving the scene of an accident. He attempted to buy guns multiple times but was denied, until 2022, when he purchased two weapons.
When the police arrived on the scene, they found Devin Chandler and D’Sean Perry, who were deceased upon arrival. Three other victims were rushed to the University hospital. Shortly after arriving, Lavel Davis Jr. passed away. Mike Hollins was in critical condition, and Marlee Morgan suffered minor injuries. Christopher Jones fled the scene and was unable to be found. The University’s students were notified immediately, and the school was placed on lockdown.
Twelve hours later authorities found and arrested Jones. He is now facing three charges of second degree murder, but his motive is currently unknown. His heartbroken father spoke to NBC News and said, “What happened? Why did it have to get this far? He could’ve called me,” and he apologized to the victims and their loved ones, saying, “I don’t know what to say except I’m sorry on his behalf and I apologize.” After his court hearing in Charlottesville, Christopher Jones was denied bond.
The entire University of Virginia community has stayed strong during this tragedy. A memorial was held on November 19th, during which thousands attended to show their support and pay tribute to the victims.
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