UVA provides updates on deadly Culbreth Rd. shooting, suspect in custody

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) - The man suspected of fatally shooting three University of Virginia students, and injuring two others, is now in police custody.

UVA Police Chief Tim Longo was speaking to the press Monday, November 14, when it was revealed that 22-year-old Christopher Darnell Jones Jr. had been arrested. Henrico Police announced he was taken into custody without incident before 11 a.m. on Edgelawn Street. Jones is charged with three counts of second-degree murder and use of a handgun in the commission of a felony.

Authorities say the shooting occurred along Culbreth Road, near the parking garage, around 10:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13, as UVA students were returning from a field trip. Devin Chandler, Lavel Davis, and D’Sean Perry were killed. All three were members of the football team.

Virginia Head Football Coach Tony Elliott released the following statement Monday:

“I cannot find the words to express the devastation and heartache that our team is feeling today after the tragic events last night that resulted in the deaths of Lavel, D’Sean and Devin, and the others who were injured. These were incredible young men with huge aspirations and extremely bright futures. Our hearts ache for their families, their classmates and their friends. These precious young men were called away too soon. We are all fortunate to have them be a part of our lives. They touched us, inspired us and worked incredibly hard as representatives of our program, university and community. Rest in peace, young men.”

UVA President Jim Ryan said a fourth student is reported to be in critical conditions, while a fifth student is said to be in good condition.

“My heart is broken for the victims and their families and for all those who knew and loved them, and they are all in my prayers. As I said before, when I see our students, I see my own kids, and I cannot imagine anything worse for a parent and as a child,” Ryan said.

Jones was on the football team back in 2018 but didn’t play in any games.

Chief Longo says Jones was reported to the Multidisciplinary Threat Assessment Team back in September. Someone who wasn’t affiliated with UVA claimed Jones, “made a comment about possessing a gun.” However, Jones’ roommate didn’t report seeing a weapon.

Police say Jones was involved in a concealed weapon violation outside of Charlottesville back in February 2021.

“What’s interesting about that case is he’s required as a student at the University of Virginia to report that and he never did,” Longo said.

Charlottesville City Schools, City Hall, Albemarle County Public Schools, as well as multiple businesses closed Monday. UVA has canceled its men’s basketball game against Northern Iowa, too.

UVA created an emergency hotline for friends and family with questions about what is happening. That number is 877-685-4836.

The city and county released a joint statement, saying in part: “This incident is considered ongoing and the University of Virginia, in partnership with state and federal law enforcement partners, is leading the investigation. Public safety personnel with Albemarle County and the City of Charlottesville are supporting the investigation. Expect to see police activity and an increased security presence throughout the community today.”

This is a developing story.

RELATED: 3 dead, 2 injured in shooting at University of Virginia

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