Christopher Jones Given Five Life Sentences For UVA Shooting
According to to CNNthe man responsible for killed three University of Virginia football playersDevin Chandler, Lavel Davis Jr, and D'Sean Perry, has been sentenced after pleading guilty to murder last year. Judge Cheryl Higgins dropped the gavel on Christopher Darnell Jones Jr. with five life sentences, one for each death and two more for wounding Michael Hollins and Marlee Morgan.
Jones, who was a former UVA football player, opened fire on a charter bus after a “field trip” to see a play in Washington, D.C. There was no connection between Jones and his victims, and Judge Higgins made it a point that there was no bullying or interaction prior to the shooting.
Jones had “distortions in his perception” of reality but understood his actions, she said, noting that he texted people before the shooting that he would “go to hell or spend over 100 years in prison.” Jones then discarded clothes and the gun and lied to the police he encountered five minutes later, the judge said.
Despite those mental health issues, Jones appears to be fully aware of his actions. He spoke to the court and the grieving families for fifteen minutes before receiving his sentence.
“I'm so sorry,” Jones said. “I caused so much pain.”
Speaking to the families, Jones said: “I didn't know your sons. I didn't know your boys. And I wish I did.”
