Charlottesville, Virginia – The University of Virginia has reached a $9 million settlement with the families of victims involved in a tragic 2022 campus shooting. The incident resulted in the deaths of three university football players and left two other students injured. The school has agreed to pay $2 million each to the families of D’Sean Perry, Devin Chandler, and Lavel Davis Jr., the maximum allowed under Virginia law. Additionally, a total of $3 million will be distributed to the two surviving students, Mike Hollins and Marlee Morgan.
While the settlement has been approved by a judge in Albemarle County Circuit Court, some families are not satisfied. They are calling for the immediate release of an independent investigation into the shooting, completed last year. The investigation focused on the university’s assessment of the suspect and any recommendations made as a result.
The alleged shooter, identified as Christopher Darnell Jones Jr., was a UVA student and former member of the football team. Attorney Kimberly Wald, representing Perry’s estate, criticized the university for not taking action to remove Jones from campus despite displaying signs of erratic and unstable behavior.
University officials had delayed the release of the investigation report due to concerns about impacting the suspect’s trial. However, President Jim Ryan stated their commitment to providing the report once it won’t interfere with legal proceedings.
The tragic loss of the three students – Devin, Lavel, and D’Sean – has deeply affected the university community. Rector Robert Hardie and President Ryan expressed their appreciation for the students’ contributions to the school through their academic and athletic endeavors.
Following the shooting, campus security measures were scrutinized, leading to an external review of safety protocols and threat assessments. The university acknowledged that Jones had previously been flagged by the threat-assessment team.
The emotional toll on the victims’ families is evident, with Perry’s mother stressing the importance of understanding the events to prevent future tragedies. Similarly, Hollins’ mother reflected on the lasting impact of the incident, emphasizing the need for support in processing the trauma.
As the community continues to mourn and seek closure, the settlement serves as a small step towards healing for those impacted by the senseless violence that shook the University of Virginia.