Charlottesville, Virginia – The University of Virginia has agreed to a $9 million settlement with the families of the victims involved in a tragic campus shooting that resulted in the deaths of three university football players and left two other students injured. The settlement was announced on Friday by attorney Kimberly Wald, who represents some of the affected families.
As part of the settlement, the university will pay $2 million to each of the families of D’Sean Perry, Devin Chandler, and Lavel Davis Jr., the maximum amount allowed under Virginia law. Additionally, a total of $3 million will be allocated to the two students who sustained injuries during the shooting, Mike Hollins and Marlee Morgan.
While the settlement marks a significant step forward for the families, some remain dissatisfied and are calling for the immediate release of an independent investigation report into the shooting. The investigation focused on the university’s handling of the suspect, a former student who was charged with murder, and included recommendations based on the findings.
The alleged shooter, identified as Christopher Darnell Jones Jr., was a UVA student and former member of the school’s football team. Wald, representing Perry’s estate, criticized the university for not taking action to remove the shooter from campus despite displaying concerning behavior prior to the attack.
University officials had initially delayed the release of the investigation report last year, citing concerns about impacting the suspect’s trial. The settlement, negotiated outside of court, was approved by a judge in Albemarle County Circuit Court and received endorsements from Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares.
In a joint statement, UVA Rector Robert Hardie and President Jim Ryan expressed their condolences for the lives lost in the shooting and praised the impact the three deceased students had on the community. The incident, which unfolded when the suspect returned to campus from a field trip in Washington, triggered a campus lockdown and an extensive investigation into campus safety protocols.
The families of the victims continue to seek closure and accountability as they navigate the aftermath of the tragic shooting. As calls for transparency grow louder, the community remains dedicated to honoring the memories of those affected by the senseless act of violence.