Former UVA Walk-On Pleads Guilty to Triple Murder of Football Players, Faces Sentencing in 2025

A former University of Virginia walk-on has taken a plea deal in connection to the 2022 triple murder of three Virginia football players. Christopher Darnell Jones, 25, entered a guilty plea on charges of first-degree murder, aggravated malicious wounding, and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.

The Tragic Incident

Jones’ actions on the fateful night of November 13, 2022, led to the loss of young lives and irreparable harm to the university community. The former walk-on fatally shot football players Devin Chandler, Lavel Davis Jr., and D'Sean Perry on a charter bus after their class had attended a play in Washington, D.C. The gruesome shooting unfolded at 10:16 p.m.

In addition to the deceased players, the incident also left a fellow student, Marlee Morgan, and running back Mike Hollins with gunshot wounds. Notably, Jones was not a member of the football team at the time of the shooting.

Legal Proceedings

Jones was initially scheduled to face a jury trial in January 2025; however, he ultimately chose to plead guilty. A sentencing hearing is set for February 4, 2025. The plea deal spares the victims' families from the emotional toll of a prolonged trial and offers some semblance of closure as they continue to mourn their loved ones.

Amid the legal proceedings, an independent review conducted at the University of Virginia revealed that Jones had exhibited erratic behavior, drawing the attention of the university's threat-assessment team prior to the fateful night. This raises significant questions about the institution's handling of potential threats and the preventative measures taken to safeguard its community members.

Settlement and Aftermath

In light of the tragic events, the university reached a $9 million settlement with the five victims. The settlement included $2 million for each of the slain players' families, alongside a combined $3 million for Hollins and Morgan. The settlement serves as a recognition of the profound impact the shooting had on the victims and their families, as well as the wider community.

Despite the harrowing experience, running back Mike Hollins demonstrated remarkable resilience by returning to the field for Virginia in 2023, less than a year after sustaining serious injuries. His performance included a career-high 274 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, with a standout debut two-touchdown game against James Madison. Hollins’ determination and courage earned him the Brian Piccolo Award, a prestigious honor recognizing the "most courageous" football player in the ACC.

After completing his studies, Hollins chose to remain at the University of Virginia as a graduate assistant, providing a sense of continuity and support to the football program.