New murder charges against accused UVA football players' killer

Man accused of shooting three University of Virginia football players faces upgraded murder charges and mandatory life sentence.

Authorities in Charlottesville, Virginia have upgraded the murder charges against Christopher Darnell Jones Jr., the man accused of fatally shooting three University of Virginia football players last year. A special grand jury issued new aggravated murder indictments against Jones, and if convicted, the 23-year-old could face a mandatory life sentence. These are the most serious murder charges available in Virginia, as the state abolished the death penalty in 2021.

Jones was a student at the University of Virginia in November 2022 and a former member of the football team when the incident occurred. According to the police, he opened fire on a charter bus that was transporting students back from a field trip. The shooting resulted in the deaths of football players Lavel Davis Jr., D'Sean Perry, and Devin Chandler, while another player, Mike Hollins, and another student were injured.

Initially, Jones had been charged with second-degree murder following his arrest. However, the new indictments were returned by the grand jury on Wednesday, as announced by Albemarle County Commonwealth's Attorney James Hingeley.

Liz Murtagh, the public defender representing Jones, expressed her disappointment with the decision to pursue the upgraded charges but declined to comment further.

It is important to note that the death penalty has been abolished in Virginia, and the most severe punishment for murder convictions is now a mandatory life sentence. The decision to upgrade the charges against Jones reflects the gravity of the crime and the desire for justice for the victims and their families.

This case highlights the devastating impact of school shootings and the need for continued efforts to prevent such tragedies from occurring. The loss of young lives and the lasting effects on the community serve as a reminder of the importance of addressing the root causes of violence and implementing measures to ensure the safety and well-being of students.