University of Virginia Settles with Families of Shooting Victims
The University of Virginia (UVA) has agreed to pay $9 million in a settlement reached with the families of the victims of a tragic campus shooting that occurred in 2022. Three university football players lost their lives, and two other students were injured in the incident. Attorney Kimberly Wald, who represents some of the families, announced the settlement on Friday, stating that each family of D’Sean Perry, Devin Chandler, and Lavel Davis Jr. will receive $2 million, the maximum amount allowed under Virginia law. Additionally, $3 million will be paid to the two wounded students, Mike Hollins and Marlee Morgan.
However, some of the families are not satisfied with the settlement alone. They are demanding the immediate release of an independent investigation into the shooting that was completed last year. The investigation focused on the university’s efforts to assess the potential threat posed by the suspect, Christopher Darnell Jones Jr., who was a UVA student and former member of the school’s football team. Attorney Kimberly Wald argued that the university should have taken action to remove Jones from campus before the attack occurred due to his erratic and unstable behavior.
The delay in releasing the investigation report last year was due to concerns that it could impact Jones’ upcoming trial. UVA President Jim Ryan assured that they are committed to providing the report as soon as it does not interfere with the criminal proceeding. The shooting took place when Jones returned to campus from a field trip to see a play in Washington. The incident sparked panic and resulted in a 12-hour lockdown of the campus until Jones was apprehended. His trial for murder and other charges is scheduled for January.
In response to the settlement, UVA Rector Robert Hardie and President Ryan expressed their condolences and acknowledged the impact that Perry, Chandler, and Davis had on their community. They emphasized that these victims will always be remembered for their contributions to UVA academically and athletically. The settlement was negotiated outside of court and was accepted by a judge in Albemarle County Circuit Court. The agreements were also approved by Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin and Attorney General Jason Miyares.
Days after the shooting, UVA officials initiated an outside review to investigate campus safety policies and procedures, the university’s response to the shooting, and its previous efforts to assess the potential threat. It was revealed that Jones had been on the radar of the university’s threat-assessment team. The report, completed in October, was initially scheduled for release in November but was withheld due to concerns about affecting Jones’ trial.
While the settlement brings some closure to the affected families, there is a shared sentiment of mixed emotions. Happy Perry, mother of D’Sean Perry, stressed the importance of releasing the investigation report for the sake of preventing similar incidents in the future. Brenda Hollins, mother of Mike Hollins, expressed how devastated and changed all the victims’ families are. The settlement is a step forward, but the families believe that more needs to be done to protect lives and ensure public safety.
In conclusion, the University of Virginia’s settlement with the families of the shooting victims provides financial compensation for their loss. However, it does not fully address their concerns regarding campus safety and the need for transparency. The demand for the release of the independent investigation report highlights the families’ quest for accountability and prevention of future tragedies. It is crucial for institutions to take proactive measures to assess potential threats and ensure the safety of their students. The lessons learned from this incident can serve as a guide for implementing effective security protocols and supporting mental health resources on campuses nationwide.
