University Of Virginia Suspect Was “Picked On” Before Shooting, His Father Claims
Update: (Nov. 17, 2022) – A few new details have emerged in the case of the University of Virginia shooting, which left three players dead. Ex-football player and suspected gunman, Christopher Jones Jr., has attended his first court arraignment on Wednesday (Nov. 16).
According to the Associated Press, during the suspect’s first video arraignment, a witness came forward denying claims that the shooting was “random.” The unnamed witness declared that the murders were targeted at certain students on the school bus returning from a trip to see a play. Beloved UVA football teammates D’Sean Perry, Lavel Davis and Devin Chandler were killed, while two other students were wounded by gunfire. Reportedly, Jones shot Chandler as he slept, according to a witness’ claims shared by a prosecutor during Wednesday’s court hearing.
More from VIBE.com
Per outlet, Jones Jr. appeared on video from his jailed location and did not enter a plea to the various charges he’s up against. Denied bond and represented by a public defender, Jones Jr. reportedly said he plans to hire an attorney. As of now a clear motive has not been shared by the now 23-year-old.
Jones Jr. has remained in custody since his arrest on Sunday night (Nov. 13) in Richmond, VA, after a 12-hour manhunt by police. AP reports that Jones Jr. did not speak much during the hearing besides answering questions about his employment and hiring legal representation.
The case is still developing.
Original story below…
—
Former University of Virginia football running back Christopher Jones Jr. is suspected of murdering three other players from the school’s team. The ex-Cavaliers athlete allegedly opened gunfire on a school bus full of teammates on Sunday (Nov. 13) around 10:30 PM after returning from a game. He is now in custody.
According to authorities, the gunfire killed UVA teammates D’Sean Perry, Lavel Davis and Devin Chandler, amid wounding two others. Now according to the suspect’s father, Christopher Jones Sr., — his son was dealing with bullying before the shooting.
Jones Sr. spoke with NBC12 following the breaking news that his son had allegedly committed a triple-homicide while on campus. The father made claims that, while he last remembered his 22-year-old son appearing “normal” a month ago, Jones Jr. did admit to him that he was getting “picked on” at school.
“I can’t believe it was him, I still can’t believe it now,” his father said to the news outlet. “[A month ago] He came to the house, he did his laundry and we sat and talked. He was doing real well. He got into school, he got on the football team and excelled. He excelled in everything. Everybody loved Chris.
“I don’t know what happened between then and now to cause this to happen,” Jones Sr. said in regards to his son’s alleged bullying at school. “He had some problems. The last time I talked to him, he said some people was picking on him or whatever. He didn’t know how to handle it.”
He added, “I just told him, ‘Go to school. Don’t pay them no mind. Do what you got to do.’ He was real paranoid about something when I talked to him, but he wouldn’t tell me everything.”
Following the shooting, authorities say Jones Jr. fled the scene and continued to elude the cops for about 12 hours. He was later arrested in Henrico County on the intersection of Acton and Edgelawn Streets. The suspect is now facing six charges, including three counts of second-degree murder.
John Legend Calls Texas Sen. Ted Cruz's Suggested Solutions To Uvalde School Shooting "Idiocy"
Jones Sr. issued an apology on his son’s behalf. “Why did it have to get this far, he could have called me. I don’t know what to say except I’m sorry on his behalf and I apologize.”
“He’s not a bad kid, he really isn’t,” he added. “I just don’t know what happened, I wasn’t there. I just don’t know what happened to cause all of this.”
Back on campus, students and faculty gathered for a candlelight vigil to remember the players who succumbed to the senseless tragedy.
“These were incredible young men with huge aspirations and extremely bright futures,” Virginia football head coach Tony Elliott stated. “Our hearts ache for their families, their classmates and their friends. These precious young men were called away too soon.”
Christopher Jones Jr. is scheduled to attend a video arraignment today (Nov. 15).
