Former UVA football player pleads guilty to killing three students

A former University of Virginia student, Christopher Darnell Jones Jr., aged 25, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to the fatal shooting of three football players and injuring two other students on the campus in 2022.

Jones pleaded guilty to 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.

A four-day sentencing hearing is set to commence on February 4 in Albemarle County Circuit Court.

During the court proceedings on Wednesday, prosecutors presented a summary of the events leading up to the shooting, unveiling chilling details that had not been previously disclosed to the public.

Prior to the shooting, while on a bus, Jones texted an adult mentor, expressing, "Tonight I’m either going to hell or jail. I’m sorry," as per the summary obtained by The Associated Press.

Originally facing charges including aggravated murder, which carries a mandatory life sentence without parole in Virginia, Jones opted for a plea agreement with prosecutors, pleading guilty to first-degree murder charges that carry a sentence of 20 years to life.

The tragic incident unfolded as Jones opened fire on a charter bus transporting students back to campus after a play and dinner in Washington, D.C.

The shooting occurred near a parking garage, leading to a 12-hour lockdown of the Charlottesville campus until the apprehension of the suspect.

Following the shooting, the university community of approximately 23,000 students found refuge in closets and darkened dorm rooms, with some barricading doors of academic buildings.

University of Virginia, founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, has faced previous challenges, including the violent "Unite the Right" rally in 2017, which resulted in casualties.

Authorities have not disclosed a motive for Jones' actions, a former member of the university's football team.

The victims of the shooting included football players Lavel Davis Jr., D’Sean Perry, and Devin Chandler, with Mike Hollins and Marlee Morgan sustaining injuries.

Notably, Jones' tenure on the team did not overlap with the players he targeted, and there was no apparent prior interaction between Jones and the victims.

According to a witness, Jones seemed to have specific targets in mind during the bus ride back to campus, exhibiting signs of distress and making concerning statements.

Prosecutors revealed that Jones isolated himself during the trip, displaying signs of agitation upon the football players' arrival.

Furthermore, it was disclosed that Jones had a previous romantic interest in a woman who had exchanged numbers with one of the victims, Chandler.

Prior to the shooting, Jones messaged his mentor, emphasizing his innocence and requesting to share his story, stating, "I was a good guy I never meant or initiated any harm to anyone."

As the situation escalated, Jones ominously texted family members, including his mother, expressing love and hinting at impending events.

During the shooting spree, Jones systematically targeted victims at the back of the bus, as detailed in the prosecutors' summary.

University President Jim Ryan acknowledged Jones' guilty plea as a step in the prolonged healing process for the victims' families and the community.

Following the tragedy, university officials initiated an external review to assess safety protocols, response procedures, and prior evaluations of potential threats posed by the charged student.

In a settlement announced by lawyer Kimberly Wald, the university agreed to a $9 million compensation for the victims and their families, citing missed warning signs in Jones' behavior.

Attorney Michael Haggard, representing the families of three victims, expressed their initial reluctance towards a plea agreement, advocating for a trial to seek maximum accountability.

While the families await sentencing, they anticipate the release of the independent investigation report to gain further insights into the incident.

University officials postponed the report's publication last year to prevent interference with Jones' trial, with plans to unveil it post the finalization of sentencing in February.

The aftermath of the tragic shooting at the University of Virginia continues to unfold, shedding light on the complexities of campus safety and the enduring impact of such devastating events on the community.