University of Virginia to honor victims of deadly bus shooting 3 years later
VENN
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WRIC) -- This week, the University of Virginia (UVA) will honor three of its football players who were shot and killed on a bus full of students in 2022.
On Nov. 13, 2022, ex-student Christopher Darnell Jones, Jr. opened fire on a bus carrying UVA students back to the university after a field trip.
A total of five students were shot. While two of them -- Marlee Morgan and Michael Hollins -- recovered from their injuries, three tragically died: Lavel Davis, Jr., Devin Chandler and D’Sean Perry. A witness reported that Chandler was asleep when he was killed.
The third anniversary of this tragedy falls on Thursday, Nov. 13 this year. UVA officials have several events planned for both Thursday and the day prior to honor the memories and legacies of Davis, Chandler and Perry.
IN 2024: ‘Tomorrow is going to be tough,' UVA community remembers deadly mass shooting 2 years later
From 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 12, a "Lift Every Voice and Sing Memorial Concert" will be held at the Vinegar Hill Theatre, located at 220 W. Market Street.
At 1:55 p.m. on Thursday, the UVA Chapel's bells will toll to honor the student-athletes' lives. Students, faculty and staff across campus are encouraged to participate in a moment of silence while the bell is rung.
Once the bell finishes ringing, a march will begin at UVA Chapel and end at the Betsy and John Casteen Arts Grounds, where a memorial tree is planted.
Finally, a candlelight vigil will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday on the South Lawn.
PREVIOUS: UVA releases redacted reports on 2022 shooting that killed 3 students, injured 2
Ahead of his scheduled trial by jury, Jones pleaded guilty to three counts of first-degree murder and two counts of aggravated malicious wounding, as well as other firearms-related charges in late 2024.
His sentencing is currently set to take place the morning of Monday, Nov. 17 -- just days after this somber anniversary.
You can find all of 8News' reporting on this tragic shooting here.
