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Former University of Virginia football player suspected of fatally shooting 3 school football players, wounding two other students; suspect in custody after all-night manhunt
UVA shooting suspect Christopher Darnell Jones Jr. (Image Source: UVA Police)

Former University of Virginia football player suspected of fatally shooting 3 school football players, wounding two other students; suspect in custody after all-night manhunt

A former University of Virginia football player is suspected of fatally shooting three players on the school's football team and wounding two other students around 10:30 p.m. Sunday on the Charlottesville campus, ESPN reported.

What are the details?

Police confirmed the suspect is UVA student Christopher Darnell Jones Jr., a 22-year-old former football player.

The shooting took place on a charter bus that had returned to campus after students attended a play in Washington, D.C., as part of a class field trip, school President Jim Ryan said during a Monday news conference, according to ESPN.

In response, the school immediately issued a shelter-in-place order for all students and staff on campus and canceled Monday classes.

Police searched the campus extensively to locate the suspect but determined he had likely fled the immediate area.

Following the search, UVA lifted the shelter-in-place order at 10:33 a.m. on Monday. UVA Police Chief Timothy Longo Sr. stated that nearly 500 students were impacted by the order and forced to stay in the school's library and classrooms overnight.

Authorities noted that "a large police presence will remain."

Jones remained at large overnight and into the following morning. Police apprehended Jones on Monday afternoon and brought him into custody after a nearly 12-hour manhunt. According to authorities, Jones was arrested in Henrico County "without incident" just before 11 a.m.

At this time, authorities have not released a possible motive.

During a press conference on Monday morning – before Jones' arrest was confirmed – UVA President Jim Ryan stated, "Multiple law enforcement agencies are coordinating to find and apprehend him."

"As of writing, I am heartbroken to report the shooting has resulted in three fatalities; two additional victims were injured and are receiving medical care," Ryan added. "We are working with the families of the victims, and we will share additional details as soon as we are able."

Ryan identified the three deceased victims as D'Sean Perry, Lavel Davis Jr., and Devin Chandler. He did not release the identities of the two additional wounded victims, but he noted that one is in critical condition and the other expected to recover.

All of the deceased victims were UVA football players and former teammates of Jones.

Longo noted that Jones was involved in a previous hazing investigation and that he had made comments about possessing a gun.

Jones faces three charges of second-degree murder and three counts of using a handgun in the commission of a felony.

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