Virginia football shooting updates: Ex-player Chris Jones in custody for killings of three active players

Christopher Darnell Jones Jr. has been arrested as the University of Virginia mourns

Local police have arrested former Virginia walk-on football player Christopher Darnell Jones Jr., who has been identified as the lone gunman who killed three members of the 2022 Cavaliers football team and injured two others on campus Sunday night in Charlottesville, Virginia. Football players Devin Chandler, Lavel Davis Jr. and D'Sean Perry were all fatally shot, according to University of Virginia president Jim Ryan.

Two other students were hospitalized for gunshot wounds. Mike Hollins, also a member of the football team, was moved from the ICU after two successful surgeries, his family confirmed Wednesday. Hollins was initially listed in critical condition after a gunshot wound to the back. 

Marlee Morgan, the other student wounded in the shooting, is not a member of the football team and in good condition. 

Jones is initially being charged with three counts of second degree murder and three counts of using a handgun in commission of a felony, though the charges could change. UVA police chief Tim Longo was alerted during a Monday morning press conference that Jones was taken into custody around 11 a.m. ET.

Jones, an active student at Virginia but no longer a member of the football team, is accused of shooting five people on a bus at the Culbreth Garage parking deck on UVA Central Grounds at around 10:16 p.m. on Sunday. The shooting occurred following a class trip to see a play in Washington, D.C., according to Ryan. 

"I cannot find the words to express the devastation and heartache that our team is feeling today after the tragic events last night that resulted in the deaths of Lavel, D'Sean and Devin, and the others who were injured," said coach Tony Elliott in a statement. "These were incredible young men with huge aspirations and extremely bright futures. Our hearts ache for their families, their classmates and their friends. These precious young men were called away too soon. We are all fortunate to have them be a part of our lives. They touched us, inspired us and worked incredibly hard as representatives of our program, university and community. Rest in peace, young men."

A shelter in place order was lifted late Monday morning after the Virginia campus was locked down with classes canceled as a "thorough search" for Jones was completed. Charlottesville City Schools also canceled classes for more than 4,000 local students.

"This is an unimaginably sad day for our community," Ryan said. "The entire university community is grieving this morning. My heart is broken for the victims and their families and for all of those who knew and loved them. They are all in my prayers. When I see our students, I see my own kids. I cannot imagine anything worse for a parent than to lose a child. Please know that we will do everything we can to honor their lives and will come together soon as a community to mourn these losses."

Virginia's final home game of the season against Coastal Carolina, scheduled for Saturday, was canceled on Wednesday. No decision has been made on whether the Cavaliers will play their last game of the season at rival Virginia Tech on Nov. 26.

CBS Sports is actively updating this story with the latest on the Virginia shooting below.

[Nov 18, 2022 at 5:16 pm ET · Ben Kercheval]

Mike Hollins close to being discharged from hospital

Virginia football player Mike Hollins will be discharged from the hospital "at some point this weekend or early next week," according to his father, Mike Hollins Sr. Hollins, who recovered from two surgeries, is walking and showering on his own, and doctors expect a full recovery within the next few months. Hollins also plans to return to the football team, his father added. 

[Nov 18, 2022 at 3:09 pm ET · David Cobb]

Commanders paying tribute 

The Washington Commanders announced they will pay special tribute to the fallen Virginia players in the form of helmet decals when they host the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. Stickers with the numbers "1," "15," and "41" will be on each Washington helmet representing the jersey numbers of Lavel Davis Jr., Devin Chandler and D'Sean Perry.

[Nov 17, 2022 at 3:00 pm ET · David Cobb]

Mike Hollins 'saved lives' in shooting, mom says

Mike Hollins, who was injured in the shooting but has successfully overcome two surgeries, ran off the bus before returning to help, his mother told ESPN. "His classmates are grateful for him because they said he saved their lives," said Brenda Hollins. "He was the first off the bus and told two of his classmates to run, and he went back." 

Hollins is also now aware that three of his teammates were killed in the shooting. "Mike's cry was so deep it was like coming from his soul," Brenda Hollins said. "It was like a cry I'd never heard before in my life. It was so deep. His cry was so deep. There was nothing I could do."

Brenda added that her son is "determined to return to the football field" though he faces months of rehabilitation from his injuries.

[Nov 17, 2022 at 12:32 pm ET · Ben Kercheval]

Memorial service set for shooting victims

Virginia will hold a memorial service for Devin Chandler, Lavel Davis Jr. and D'Sean Perry, as well as the two students injured in last Sunday's shooting, Mike Hollins and Marlee Morgan. The service will be held on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, at 3:30 p.m. in John Paul Jones Arena. The event, which is open to all, will also be live-streamed. 

[Nov 16, 2022 at 10:30 pm ET · Ben Kercheval]

ACC teams to honor shooting victims with decals, graphics

The ACC announced it will honor the three Virginia football players this weekend who were shot and killed Sunday night. All ACC home football games will hold a moment of silence and display a "UVA Strong" graphic on the field, and every team in the league will wear a helmet decal honoring the victims. 

[Nov 16, 2022 at 6:16 pm ET · Ben Kercheval]

Family of Mike Hollins issues statement on recovery

Mike Hollins, a Virginia football player who was one of two people wounded in Sunday's shooting, has been moved out of ICU following a pair of successful surgeries and is on the road to recovery, according to a statement form his family. 

The full statement can be found below: 

"We want to start by thanking God for His grace that continues to guide our family through this unspeakable tragedy. In the last 48 hours, Mike has successfully made it through two surgeries. We want to thank his doctors and care team at University of Virginia Hospital. In the coming days and weeks, Mike will begin the long process of healing.

Mike's tenacity, dedication, and his huge heart have propelled him to achieve everything he's set his mind to—not just on the football field, but as a student set to graduate in December on the Academic Honor Roll. He's committed to facing his recovery with the same fortitude. But it's Mike's warmth and genuine affection for others that have always drawn people to him, and we've been overwhelmed with gratitude for the outpouring of support we've received from those who have come to love him.

As Mike starts down the path toward healing– physically, emotionally and spiritually– the process will take time. We ask that you respect his privacy and continue giving him space to mend.

To the Chandler, Perry, and Davis families - you have not left our prayers since Sunday night. Our hearts are broken for you, and we will continue to hold Devin, D'Sean, and Lavel in our hearts. May the Lord grant you His peace that surpasses all understanding.

Mike, our family, and our entire community pray for God's grace and wisdom as we try to make sense of this tragedy and move forward toward forgiveness."

[Nov 16, 2022 at 3:33 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Suspect previously denied gun purchases

[Nov 16, 2022 at 11:31 am ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Victim shot while asleep

University of Virginia shooting victim Devin Chandler was asleep when he was killed while returning from a field trip, according to prosecutors from the Albemarle County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office. The attack appeared to be targeted, and witnesses claimed Jones was "not randomly shooting" during the incident that took place at a campus parking garage at 10:30 p.m. on Sunday after the class returned from a field trip to Washington, D.C., to watch a play. 

[Nov 16, 2022 at 11:23 am ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Virginia knew of Jones' prior charges

The University of Virginia admitted that it knew about weapons charges levied against murder suspect Christopher Darnell Jones Jr.  weeks before his deadly attack but failed to discipline him. Jones was previously convicted of a concealed weapons misdemeanor in 2021 after a traffic stop and given a 12-month suspended sentence. By school policy, Jones was required to disclose his conviction to the school, but never did so. 

The Office of Student Affairs discovered his conviction after a student told the administration that Jones claimed to have a gun on campus. Early research into his case revealed the misdemeanor conviction, and the Office of Student Affairs moved to begin the process of disciplinary action on Oct. 27. However, the complaint had not reached the University Judiciary Committee before Jones allegedly murdered three Virginia football players and wounded two others. 

[Nov 16, 2022 at 11:13 am ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Fifth victim identified; additional charges added

Marlee Morgan, a sophomore student from Houston, Texas, has been identified as the fifth victim in Sunday's shooting. Morgan, the lone victim who was not a member of the football team, was reported to be the student in stable condition and released Tuesday, while the other survivor, Mike Hollins, has undergone multiple surgeries. Christopher Darnell Jones Jr., the man identified as the shooter, will now face two additional charges of malicious wounding for Morgan and Hollins. 

[Nov 16, 2022 at 9:27 am ET · David Cobb]

Game vs. Coastal Carolina canceled

Virginia announced Wednesday morning that its game against Coastal Carolina on Saturday has been canceled in wake of the shooting. There is no decision yet about the Cavaliers' season finale at Virginia Tech next week. Coastal Carolina athletic director Matt Hogue and head coach Jamey Chadwell released statements affirming UVA's decision.

"As much as we love gameday and the spirit it brings, there is a time when the sanctity of life and sustaining of a community take precedence," Hogue said. "This is one of those times. We fully support the decision and will continue offering our assistance and contribute however we can toward the healing of our friends and colleagues at UVA."

[Nov 15, 2022 at 4:10 pm ET · Barrett Sallee]

Status of Saturday's football game still undecided

Athletic director Carla Williams was asked about the status of Saturday's game vs. No. 23 Coastal Carolina, which is still scheduled to be played at 3:30 p.m. ET in Charlottesville. 

"We'll make it together," she said. "It'll be a discussion with coach and the team. Obviously they're going through a lot. We want to make sure that they're involved as well. We'll use our best judgement. It'll be soon. We'll make a decision soon."

Coach Tony Elliott said that his focus over the past two days has been on loving on the players and their families, and that he will deal with the football logistics later. 

[Nov 15, 2022 at 4:02 pm ET · Barrett Sallee]

Head coach Tony Elliott speaks on the situation

Head coach Tony Elliott and athletic director Carla Williams held a press conference on Tuesday. Elliott spoke about what the last two days have been like. 

"It feels like a nightmare to be honest with you. I'm ready for somebody to pinch me and wake me up, saying this didn't happen. It's been a long -- I don't know how long it's been since it happened. The minutes can't go by fast enough. The approach with the team is, once we were given the clear to communicate, we immediately got the team together and started the process of grieving together, trying to make sure no one was isolated and everyone was together. We pooled all the resources we could from a counseling standpoint to give these guys the support they need. The first meeting was really tough. Really, really tough."

[Nov 15, 2022 at 1:10 pm ET · Barrett Sallee]

Mike Hollins off of ventilator

[Nov 15, 2022 at 11:07 am ET · David Cobb]

Prior investigation of Chris Jones

On September 15, Virginia's student affairs department learned from a student that suspect Chris Jones "had talked about possessing a gun," according to reporting from the Richmond Times-Dispatch. The student who made the report did so as part of a hazing investigation. As part of the university's investigation, it was learned that Jones was arrested concealed weapons violation in 2021, the newspaper reported. Jones "refused to cooperate with the university's investigation," according to the report.

[Nov 14, 2022 at 11:58 pm ET · Adam Silverstein]

Player in critical condition identified

Mike Hollins has been identified as one of the two students who were shot but not killed by the gunman. He suffered a gunshot wound to his back that exited through his abdomen, necessitating emergency surgery Sunday night that has left Hollins on a ventilator. He is expected to undergo a second surgery Tuesday and have the ventilator removed with doctors assessing potential damage to his abdomen and kidneys, according to Sports Illustrated.

The redshirt junior running back has played extensively across three of the last four seasons; he opted out in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic but returned to play nine games in 2021 and score two touchdowns already this season. He is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

[Nov 14, 2022 at 11:33 am ET · Adam Silverstein]

Devin Chandler was identified as the third of three victims killed in Sunday night's shooting. Chandler, a junior wide receiver, joined Virginia as a transfer from Wisconsin this season. A North Carolina native who also lived in Tennessee, he has played across each of the last three campaigns. Wisconsin canceled its Monday media availabilities in wake of Chandler's death.

University officials confirmed Chandler's death Monday morning.

[Nov 14, 2022 at 10:58 am ET · Adam Silverstein]

Lavel Davis Jr. was identified by his cousin, Newberry College assistant football coach Sean Lampkin, as the second of three victims killed in Sunday night's shooting. "Saddening, saddening news this morning. God took one of his most kind, humble, loving soldiers off of the battlefield last night. Please pray for my family as we are devastated by the passing of my cousin Lavel Davis Jr. Love and already miss you, kid," Lampkin tweeted.

University officials confirmed Davis' death Monday morning.

Davis was a standout wide receiver for the Cavs who averaged 25.8 yards per reception as a freshman in 2020, the second-highest average in the nation. He missed the 2021 season due to a knee injury but returned in 2022. Davis missed the last two games with a concussion.

[Nov 14, 2022 at 10:53 am ET · Adam Silverstein]

D'Sean Perry, 22, was identified as one of the three victims killed in Sunday night's shooting. Perry is survived by his mother, Happy Perry, and father, Sean Perry. 

"On behalf of D'Sean's parents, Happy and Sean Perry, and their entire family, we thank the South Florida and Charlottesville communities for the outpouring of support during this impossibly tragic time," the family said in a statement. "Right now, Happy and Sean will not speak publicly about the incident as their grief is only beginning, and out of respect for the University of Virginia community which has been terrorized by another mass shooting in the United States. 

The junior linebacker from Miami moved to defensive end this season to help fill a hole on the roster. He played across each of the last three seasons and saw the field as recently as this past Saturday against Pittsburgh.

[Nov 14, 2022 at 5:21 pm ET · Ben Kercheval]

Candlelight vigil to be held on Virginia campus

[Nov 14, 2022 at 1:53 pm ET · Ben Kercheval]

Wisconsin statements on Devin Chandler

Wisconsin interim coach Jim Leonhard and athletic director Chris McIntosh have issued statements on the death of Virginia wide receiver Devin Chandler, who played for the Badgers for two seasons before transferring to the Cavaliers. 

Statement from Wisconsin Interim Head Coach Jim Leonhard
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Devin's passing. He had a lasting impact on his teammates, even after he left UW, which is a testament to the type of person he was. His personality was infectious and he was a joy to be around. Our team is hurting for him and his family. I want to personally extend my condolences to his family and the Virginia football family.

Statement from Wisconsin Director of Athletics Chris McIntosh
Everyone in our athletic department is devastated to hear that former Badger football student-athlete Devin Chandler has died as a result of the shooting that took place Sunday night at the University of Virginia. Devin spent two years as a member of our football program. It is heartbreaking and tragic that Devin's young life was cut short by violence. Devin and his family and friends are in my thoughts and we are here to support in any way we can. In addition, we are offering counseling and support services to our current student-athletes and athletic department staff members.

[Nov 14, 2022 at 4:45 pm ET · Ben Kercheval]

Virginia coach, AD issue statements 

Football coach Tony Elliott
I cannot find the words to express the devastation and heartache that our team is feeling today after the tragic events last night that resulted in the deaths of Lavel, D'Sean and Devin, and the others who were injured. These were incredible young men with huge aspirations and extremely bright futures. Our hearts ache for their families, their classmates and their friends. These precious young men were called away too soon. We are all fortunate to have them be a part of our lives. They touched us, inspired us and worked incredibly hard as representatives of our program, university and community. Rest in peace, young men.

Athletic director Carla Williams
As a mother of three children, I ache for the parents and family members. We lost three talented and bright young men. We will never see what their impact on the world would have been, but we will never forget their impact on us. I miss Lavel, D'Sean and Devin. I pray for peace, comfort and hope for their parents and loved ones. For their teammates, coaches and friends, I pray for strength and a peace that surpasses all understanding.

[Nov 14, 2022 at 11:28 am ET · Adam Silverstein]

Shooting occurred on a bus after a class trip

The UVA shooting took place on a bus filled with students returning from a class field trip to Washington, DC, to see a play, university president Jim Ryan said in a Monday press conference. This explains why Chris Jones and the students were at a parking garage as the bus had returned to campus following the trip.

[Nov 14, 2022 at 11:22 am ET · Adam Silverstein]

Chris Jones previously investigated

UVA police chief Tim Longo said during a Monday press conference that Chris Jones was a known individual to the university's threat assessment team who was previously investigated for gun possession in September. The Richmond-Times Dispatch has more on that here. A third party (non-student) had previously told campus officials that Jones claimed to own a gun, though Jones' claim was not accompanied by threats of violence. The UVA Office of Student Affairs attempted to follow up with Jones and interviewed Jones' roommate, but the roommate had never seen the weapon, and no further action was taken.

[Nov 14, 2022 at 12:04 pm ET · Adam Silverstein]

ACC commissioner speaks on Virginia tragedy

[Nov 14, 2022 at 11:24 am ET · Adam Silverstein]

Virginia men's basketball game canceled

No. 18 Virginia will no longer host Northern Iowa in a planned on-campus basketball game Monday night, university president Jim Ryan announced. It is not known at this time whether the game will be rescheduled. The Cavaliers' next game would be Friday against No. 5 Baylor.

[Nov 14, 2022 at 11:13 am ET · Adam Silverstein]

Virginia Tech coach sends thoughts to Virginia

[Nov 14, 2022 at 11:02 am ET · Adam Silverstein]

Government officials respond to shooting

Virginia's governor and United States senators shared their immediate thoughts on the shooting through Twitter.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin: "This morning, Suzanne and I are praying for the UVA community. Virginia State Police is fully coordinating with UVA police department and local authorities. Please shelter in place while the authorities work to locate the suspect."

Sen. Mark Warner: "Thinking of all impacted by the tragic act of violence on UVa's campus. Please continue to follow all guidance from local law enforcement as they continue to coordinate the search for the perpetrator." 

Sen. Tim Kaine: "Heartbroken to hear of another Virginia community devastated by gun violence. Praying for the UVA community and closely monitoring the situation. Please follow the directions of law enforcement at @UVApolice. We must take further action to make our communities safer."