Late Sunday, the University of Virginia took a horrific loss in losing three of its students in a campus shooting, reported Mark Schlabach for ESPN. Sadly, three of their students were athletes, specifically, football players for the Cavaliers. However, the story takes an interesting turn when many find out that the suspect killer in custody at the moment is a former football player of the University. The suspect murderer officially killed three students and wounded another two.
After a long manhunt to track him down, he’s been apprehended, according to Charlottesville, Virginia, police confirmed Monday. The three football players tragically murdered were junior WR Lavel Davis Jr., junior WR Devin Chandler, and junior DE D’Sean Perry. The suspected murderer is Christopher Darnell Jr. and he’s being charged with three counts of second-degree murder. This includes three counts of using a handgun in the commission of a felony.
University of Virginia president Jim Ryan said that the shooting took place on a charter bus after students returned to campus from a field trip. Like many, he called the incident a “sad, shocking, and tragic day for the university community.”
“Let me say how deeply sorry I am for the victims and for their families and friends,” Ryan said.
University Virginia Football Thoughts and Prayers
Naturally, the HC for the Virginia football Cavaliers Tony Elliot released a statement on behalf of the tragic loss of three of his current players. In general, this is a troubling time for athletes and even regular students that attend the University. Essentially, their safety is compromised and many are looking for security within their individual safety. In Elliot’s statement, he mentions deep heartache. He also mentions after receiving the troubling news how he still finds hope within the Virginia community. He believes they can still rally and come together.
“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,” Elliot mentions in the statement.
“[As well as,] 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,” Elliot continued.
