VSP transitioning to lead investigative agency in UVA shooting

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) - The Virginia State Police says it will be the lead investigative agency in the deadly shooting on UVA Grounds.

VSP released the following Thursday, November 17:

“At the request of the University of Virginia and the University Police Department, Virginia State Police will assume primary responsibility for the continued criminal investigation of the tragic incident that occurred on the UVA Grounds the evening of Nov. 13, 2022. VSP has been engaged since the early stages of the incident in cooperation with university, local, and federal law enforcement agencies.”

VSP says Christopher Jones, Jr. traveled with other UVA students Sunday to Washington, D.C. to attend a theater performance at the Atlas Performing Arts Center. Following the play, the students and a professor ate dinner in the District. The professor and 22 students returned to Charlottesville in a chartered bus, arriving at UVA at approximately 10:15 p.m.

Jones reportedly produced a weapon and began firing as the students were getting up to exit the bus. He allegedly fired additional rounds as he got off the bus and left the area in his black Dodge Durango.

Police apprehended Jones without incident in Henrico County around 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 14.

VSP says a handgun was found, “in relative proximity to the shooting scene.” A search warrant, executed by investigators on Jones’ residence in Charlottesville, resulted in the recovery of a rifle and a handgun.

Devin Chandler, 20, of Virginia Beach, Va., and D’Sean Perry, 22, of Miami, Fla., succumbed to their injuries at the scene. Lavel Davis Jr., 20, of Ridgeville, S.C., was transported to UVA Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries sustained in the shooting. Their remains were transported to the Office of the Medical Examiner for autopsy and examination.

Jones is charged with three felony counts of second-degree murder, two felony counts of malicious wounding, and five felony counts of the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. He is being held at the Charlottesville-Albemarle County Regional Jail without bond.

VSP adds that it is working with UVA police, the Albemarle County Commonwealth’s Attorney, Albemarle Co. Police Dept., Charlottesville Police Dept., the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia, Office of the Virginia Attorney General, FBI, and ATF.

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