Charlottesville, Virginia – The University of Virginia has agreed to a $9 million settlement with the families of the victims of a tragic campus shooting in 2022. The incident claimed the lives of three university football players and left two other students injured. The settlement, announced by attorney Kimberly Wald on behalf of some of the families, includes $2 million payments 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 distributed to the two wounded students, Mike Hollins and Marlee Morgan.
While the settlement marks a significant step in addressing the aftermath of the shooting, some families are calling for the immediate release of an independent investigation conducted last year. The investigation focused on the actions taken by the university to assess the threat posed by the suspect, a student who was later charged with murder. The families are eager to learn from the findings of the report and implement measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The alleged shooter, identified as Christopher Darnell Jones Jr., was a former UVA student and member of the school’s football team. Wald, representing Perry’s estate, criticized the university for not taking action to remove the alleged shooter from campus despite exhibiting concerning behavior prior to the attack.
University officials initially delayed the release of the investigation report out of concern that it could impact the suspect’s trial. However, the settlement reached between the university and the victims’ families was approved by a judge in Albemarle County Circuit Court, with the support of Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Attorney General Jason Miyares.
Rector Robert Hardie and President Jim Ryan expressed their condolences for the lives lost in the shooting, emphasizing the enduring impact of the deceased students on the university community. The tragic incident unfolded when the suspect returned to campus from a field trip, prompting panic and a lengthy lockdown until the suspect was apprehended. Jones Jr. is set to face trial for murder and other charges in January.
In the wake of the shooting, university officials commissioned an external review to evaluate campus safety protocols, response procedures, and efforts to assess potential threats. The review, initially scheduled for release in November, was postponed to avoid influencing the trial process.
The families of the victims are seeking transparency and accountability to prevent future tragedies. As they navigate the aftermath of the shooting, they emphasize the importance of learning from the past to safeguard lives in the future. Happy Perry, mother of one of the victims, stressed the need for the swift release of the investigation report for the sake of public safety and national security.
As the community continues to grapple with the impact of the shooting, the settlement serves as a step towards healing and justice for the affected families. Amid mixed emotions, Brenda Hollins, mother of a surviving victim, reflects on the lasting effects of the tragedy on all those involved. The journey towards closure and resilience is ongoing as the university and the victims’ families strive to honor the memory of those lost and prevent similar incidents.