Tributes & Prayers Pour Out For UVA Shooting Victims

In light of the recent tragic shooting of three University of Virginia football players, thousands have sent their prayers and support. Devan Chandler, D’Sean Perry, and Lavel Davis Jr. lost their lives on Sunday, November 13th around 10:30 pm on the bus ride back to campus from a field trip to see a play in Washington, D.C. 

The Atlantic Coast Conference, in which UVA football plays, has created helmet decals that will be worn by every conference school. The ACC has also mandated a moment of silence for the victims at all games this upcoming weekend. While the official memorial service is set for this Saturday, November 19th, flowers, murals, and candles have been spread throughout UVA’s campus since the tragedy. A candlelight vigil was held recently, where thousands came out to pay their respects. Each victim has been described and remembered fondly by their family and friends, as well as the UVA coach Tony Elliot. Elliot said in a statement on Tuesday, “I’m ready for somebody to pinch me and wake me up and say this didn’t happen.” All three of the young men’s lives will continue to be celebrated in light of the tragedy. 

The accused shooter, Christopher Darnell Jones Jr., was a fellow football player and classmate of the victims.  According to the court reports, Jones had previously been charged and convicted of reckless driving and hit and run in 2021 and had a concealed weapons charge the same year.  UVA Police Chief Timothy Longo Sr. reported that Jones currently faces three charges of second-degree murder and three counts of using a handgun in the commission of a felony. 

By: Chloe Migut

More Information:

https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/16/us/university-of-virginia-shooting-wednesday/index.html

https://www.nbc12.com/2022/11/16/witness-uva-shooting-suspect-targeted-victims/